How come it is that there is a lot of circus activity in the US, much of it is derivative and mediocre, compared to Europe and other parts of the world? American students take some classes, often achieving intermediate level results, but never the over the top highly advanced results achieved by other countries. Often the students have a self-congratulatory air about this as if whatever they happen to achieve is the ultimate. I have seen Alan Sulc of Romania, I think, and he is a phenominal juggler/ball bouncer. I haven't seen anything like that in the US. In the past there have been great American acts, but I don't see them today. Instead people claim they are "doing circus," but they're not taking top prizes in Paris or Monte Carlo.
Anthony Gatto is a great juggler, to be sure, and has developed some showmanship to go with it. His wife, who assists him, is in a gorgeous costume. However, the great solo juggler assisted by the lovely female is straight out of the 50s. Where are the great aerialists, great hand-balancers, etc.? Why are American students in such a hurry to perform before they really have the necessary high level skills?
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