SARASOTA IS IN AWE OF WALLENDA ON WIRE

terriderr — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 20:32:17 +0000

Sarasota’s circus heritage took center stage Thursday when Nik Wallenda, Sarasota native, stopped traffic and thousands of viewers in their tracks, whether on the streets below his amazing walk on a wire or in their homes as they witnessed it on television. Nik’s 12 minute, seemingly effortless stroll of 600 feet from the One Watergate tower to the Ritz-Carlton had viewers holding a breath. Then, in mid walk, he eased down to recline and wave to the crowd. Good grief! I had goosebumps. Nik Wallenda is not a newcomer to dare-devil performance art. Seven generations of his family dating back to the 1780’s have been tempting fate and defying gravity. Karl Wallenda, his famous grandfather died in a high-wire fall at age 73 . Nik is the first performer in his family to thrill audiences in Sarasota with this amazing feat. No, there was not a net. If this excitement does not result in a packed house for “Circus Sarasota” from February 12 -28, we will all be surprised. It is certainly on the “don’t miss’ list . For all of those who would like see another historic performance, watch the 2008 documentary (get it from Netflix) “Man on Wire” which is the amazing story of Philippe Petit’s walk between the twin towers of the World Trade Center in 1974 soon after construction was completed. Imagine walking back and forth between those towers 110 stories over New York City, completely unprecedented, and not permitted. I won’t spill the rest. You just have to watch it.

This historic Wallenda feat brings back the memories of growing up in a town where there were backyards with huge rigs of nets for trapeze artists to practice, wires for walkers and all sorts other stages for performers who lived and practiced here. Many of the children from these families went to my school, St. Martha’s, the campus where Sarasota Military Academy now resides. During the recess between classes, there were kids doing flips and somersaults, juggling and building human towers upon one sturdy set of shoulders. It was magical to observe. These kids were our celebrities from famous European families and most of us were in awe of their talents. Gus and Remo Loyal from an equestrian act, Bruno Zachini, and our very own, Vicki Furtner. Vicky was a gorgeous blond haired, athletic looking girl whose father was “Unus”, the performer who balanced on one finger on a huge ball. He was very famous, having appeared on the Ed Sullivan show a number of times. Vicky became quite famous in her own right as she grew into her own incredible act and a glamorous stage name, La Toria. Her performance included an amazing athletic and graceful display of turning over and over (100 times) on a rope . It was a thrill to see her on Ed Sullivan’s Sunday evening program, as well.

The Ringling heritage of the circus in our midst inspired many childhood back yard circus events as well as the most famous Sarasota High School Sailor Circus. The brilliant skywalk by Nik Wallenda revives the memories and excites anticipation of the upcoming “Circus Sarasota” events. Watch the SNN video of the entire walk at heraldtribune/wallenda. CIRCUS SARASOTA , Feb.12-28 times vary. Tuttle Avenue and 12th Street, Sarasota. $10-$42. 355 9335; www.circussarasota.org

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SARASOTA IS IN AWE OF WALLENDA ON WIRE