THE NEW RADUGA CIRCUS PERFORMANCE GOES BEYOND THE STEREOTYPES

   RADUGA CIRCUS' new ice show directed by Yana Shevchenko is really enchanting. It includes all the elements of a traditional circus: acrobatics, juggling, tightrope walking, clownery, animal tricks and magic. Audiences seem to really enjoy funny tricks done by the circus dogs and cats, a lyrical duet performed by pigeons, and an eye-catching display by a seal. But it is the skating polar bears that make the public squeal with childlike glee in Raduga's unique Northern Lights ice show.

 
Skating polar bears by order Yulia Denisenko.
   Why is it so difficult to train polar bears? "First of all, these animals do not instinctively walk on their hind legs," said bear trainer Yulia Denisenko. "And secondly, polar bears are not very gregarious. So it is difficult for them to stay together under artificial conditions. A predator is a predator and can cause a bad injury just with its paw even when playing. In nature these animals can easily kill a seal with one blow of their forepaws. Therefore, it is necessary to give back blow for blow immediately while they are young. Then, when they are older, they will give up this instinctive activity."
   Some bears were brought to the circus when they were three months old. The oldest one is 19. Denisenko's attention as well as her time is fully reserved for the animals, on a 24/7 basis. This synergy produces visible results, as her polar bears perform stunts that are that are unique worldwide.
   Raduga performances start at 7 p.m. on Thursdays and at 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. Tickets are available at the box office from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily or at the circus' web site: www.circusonice.ru. Tel: (095) 767-37-06.