We are Circus and Variety performers who have worked in show business for 50 years.

Tonya started her career with Corona academy, a stage school.

She appeared in many films and was also a dancer with Cavalcade, a famous London floor show that worked in all the major hotels. She also appeared in Pantomimes and this is where she met Yuri on the Isle of White.

Yuri was working with his parents in their speciality act presenting juggling on unsupported ladders and unicycle. Yuri’s parents had been part of the Amazing Gridneffs. They were a family of Russian Circus artistes who had left Russia and travelled the world. Settling in the UK they had worked at The Palladium, The Tower Circus Blackpool, and Chipperfields Circus. It was during the 5 years spent with Chipperfields that Yuri learnt his Skills.

Following a period of National service with the RAF, Yuri & Tonya married and formed their own act.  After many years working in all forms of entertainment, from Circus to Buckingham Palace, from Pop concerts to Night clubs, they came to entertaining in schools. This ultimately led to teaching and they have revisited schools on a regular circuit for 15 years the length and breath of the UK.

During all this time they worked in Fetes and Galas and now no longer perform, but teach Circus skills at schools and fetes.  Having retired from regular touring they have joined the Blackpool Circus school (A registered charity) as teachers and have been teaching at Primary and High schools in Blackpool through 2003 and are continuing in 2004.

They have been a regular attraction at the following shows over recent years.  The Bolton Show, The St Helens show, Whitby regatta and many others shows.

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