Circus comes to town
Act never bores ‘Alice' performer

EDMOND — As the lights in the tent began to dim, a spotlight illuminated the center of the floor. Two men dressed in orange carried Venezuelan performer Andrea Torreblanca from behind a curtain onto the floor.

As the crowd applauded, Torreblanca quickly climbed up a rope that was dangling from the top of the tent and began gliding through the air.

Torreblanca's performance was part of Circus Chimera, held Monday and Tuesday at Mitch Park in Edmond.

Ninety-seven performers and crew workers were involved in the production of the two-hour circus show, based on an "Alice in Wonderland" theme. Torreblanca portrayed Alice on Monday.

While music was playing in the background, Torreblanca performed twists and pirouettes while swinging from the top of the rope with one hand.

No net was below her to ensure her safety if an accident were to occur. Despite the risk, Torreblanca wasn't nervous prior to performing.

Ten minutes before the show began, Torreblanca walked out of her trailer appearing calm, with a grin on her face.

"I'm not scared about any of this at all because I've been doing this for so long now, and I'm used to it," Torreblanca said. She has been with this circus for 12 years.

As Torreblanca ended her first set, Berengere Naidenkine walked onto the floor and performed a routine using hula hoops.

The woman soared high through the air while spinning five hoops around her body and holding on to the rope.

Throughout the two-hour show, others performed routines reminiscent of a Cirque du Soleil event, including performers who were dressed as characters from "Alice in Wonderland."

Other activities at Circus Chimera included a pony ride, a train ride and a booth displaying snakes and spiders.

Based in Hugo, Circus Chimera is a traveling circus that began 12 years ago. Performers and crew workers travel to about 100 cities a year in the western half of the United States, said Roy Ordaz, a producer and ringmaster for the troop.

Every year, the participants perform from February to November. The show was performed four times during its two-day run in Edmond.

While Torreblanca portrayed Alice on Monday, Russian Olympic gymnast Ekaterina Bazarova portrayed the character during Tuesday performances.

Although she has been with Circus Chimera for more than a decade, Torreblanca said she never gets bored.

"We get to travel a lot, and we're in a different city every night," she said. "So, there's always something to do."

A different theme for the circus is chosen every year. Organizers are considering a rock ‘n' roll theme for 2007.