Tuesday, September 22, 2009

A Weekly Review


A lot of excitement has been going around the Kelly Miller lot in the last week.

We have gained a new aerialist - a professional - for the show. Becky Ostroff is filling the third spot in the webb display, as well as performing her single trapeze act in replacement of the Fernandes. Danny and Tavana Brown (who do just about everything for the show) renewed their vows under the direction of Father Jerry Hogan, following Tavana's confirmation into the Catholic Church. A beautiful ceremony, many performers and crew came to share in the celebration.

Tiger training is progressing every day. In correlation with his daily reading, Casey has acquired a small notebook that he uses for recording....something. I am not exactly sure what, but it unnerves many, including myself. It has been a great asset in my training, however. During practice, Casey will record my errors, presenting it to me the next day before my next session so that I may correct problems.


The tigers are also in the process of learning new tricks for the act while continuing the 'theme' of no props. More impressively, our year old cat Shonti is in her first few days of learning the rollover. She finishes the trick with sitting high, also looking much better after every practice. Her back is getting stronger and her balance improving. Seeing the cats improve and grow everyday reminds me constantly how cool I have of a job and life.
Our relaxing week of three multiple day stands were greeted with visits from circus fans John Goodall, Paul Holley and Jim Koretz. One show was graced with a VIP presence of John Cuneo, though sans wife Herta. To end, a few pictures from the wedding, training, and the unarmed forward hind leg walk, courtesy of Jim Koretz.

10 comments:

Paul H, said...

Radar, Casey and crew: It was a real pleasure to spend time with you. Watching the between shows tiger training was a real treat. Hope that next time we can work in barbecue at A.O.

Take care and see ya down the road!
Paul

Wade G. Burck said...

Radar,
Just out of curiosity, how does one go from this: "I will stand behind the statement that John Cuneo is one of the three groups/persons that destroyed the elephant industry in the last twenty to thirty years. Much more may have gone on behind the scenes, but he played part in airing dirty laundry and destroying public perception of our business", to being a VIP when visiting a show, or does the I stand for something different??
Wade Burck

Wade G. Burck said...

Addendum to Radar,
I wanted to mention also sweet, sweet picture of Rebecca. Did you have to lay in hiding for hours, to get that shot, like filming tigers in the wild, or was it just impulsive, and spur of the moment?
Wade Burck

Ryan Easley said...

Wade,
VIP in the sense he has been around a long time, had a lot of animals and a lot of acts, and is one of those 'Who's Who' in the circus industry. But you are correct, I should not have used that term. Thank you for calling me out on it.
On a lighter note with regard to the picture -
I'm just that good.

Dick Flint said...

First, my condolences to Nat and all of you on the loss of Dixie, one with whom you all worked so closely. Your blog has long demonstrated how close and caring you all are to your animals.
I must add that the set of photos and Radar's commentary for "A Weekly Review" say so much about who you all are. And I admire the photo of the Cainan family, all beaming smiles, happy and proud and lucky for the life they have. Look forward to seeing all on the Kelly-Miller show again late next spring. Thanks so much for your blog and your friendship.
Dick Flint
Baltimore

Casey McCoy Cainan said...

Thank you Dick, I appreciate the kind words....it really means a lot. We look forward to seeing you next year too.

Natalie

Wade G. Burck said...

Dick,
Look again at the tall guy, by the pretty lady. If the guy at the car lot was smiling at you like that as you drove out the gate with your new purchase, you could bet you had been given the "business". LOL
Wade Burck

Wade G. Burck said...

Radar,
"VIP in the sense he has been around a long time, had a lot of animals and a lot of acts, and is one of those 'Who's Who' in the circus industry." Did you mean Dick Garden or Gopher Davenport?
Wade Burck

Ryan Easley said...

Wade,
I got the "business." Now I work for the circus LOL
I understand about the VIP. I already admitted it was the wrong term to use. Lay off it man! Haha

Wade G. Burck said...

Radar,
I was just trying to understand if I got your definition of VIP right or not. Geez. Relax. How about "circus royalty"? I can't find that anyplace in a dictionary.
Wade Burck

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