The world-renowned Moscow Circus returns to headline Dollywood’s Festival of Nations (April 1-May 7) and is one of 11 groups from Australia, China, Italy, Belgium, Ukraine, Zambia, Trinidad, the Czech Republic and Ecuador set to appear during the five-week celebration.
Featuring more than 200 international performers, the sixth annual Dollywood’s Festival of Nations celebrates the music, dance, art and food of visiting countries with special stage shows, an International Food Faire and Ten Thousand Villages marketplace.
Celebrating its 121st anniversary, the Moscow Circus is back by popular demand to entertain audiences with centuries-old tales and fables brought to life by a cast of Russian and Ukrainian aerialists, singers, gymnasts, folk musicians, contortionists and clowns. Under the direction of producer Sasha Vosk, the Moscow Circus includes traditional Russian folk tunes performed by a trio of musicians who play the balalaika, a three-stringed Russian instrument), accordion and the wooden spoons. The Moscow Circus performs April 1-May7.
New to Dollywood’s Festival of Nations in 2006 are:
- Australia’s sway pole act “Swoon” (April 1-May 7). Veterans of more than 300 international festivals and events, “Swoon” blends dance, circus and comedy into aerial ballet high atop 15-foot flexible poles.
- The Medieval Swordsmen of Soriano nel Cimino from Italy (April 21 - May 7). Founded in 1974, the group entertains with reenactments of medieval sword fighting, complete with authentic dress featuring period costumes. Against a backdrop of dramatic drummers and trumpeters, performances include displays of synchronized swordsmanship as well as realistic duels. Each performance culminates with the performers creating a three-tiered human pyramid.
- The Royal Stiltwalkers of Merchtem Belgium (April 5-15). Known throughout Europe as the “Belgium stilt walkers,” the group performs in formation, high atop six-, 12- and 15-foot stilts, accompanied by a marching band.
Returning groups include China’s Dragon Legend Acrobats (April 1-May 7), Zhaivir from Ukraine (April 1-May 7), Zambian Vocal Group (April 1-27), Russian Academic Band (April 1-May 7), Trinidad’s Stix on Steel (April 1-May 7), Noticky from the Czech Republic (April 1-15) and Ecuador’s Atahualpa (April 1-May 7).
A culinary adventure awaits guests at Dollywood’s International Food Faire, featuring menu selections at various park restaurants and food booths. Dishes include Panini sandwiches, beef and broccoli stir fry, potato and cheese bread fondue and peach bunuelitos.
Unique handmade crafts from more than 100 artisan groups representing more than 30 countries will be displayed for sale at Ten Thousand Villages, a non-profit marketplace that supports artisans from Africa, Asia and Latin America. Home décor, jewelry, unique collectibles, musical instruments, textiles, games and toys are just a few of the items offered. Founded in 1946, Ten Thousand Villages is a self-supporting fair trade organization that works with artisans who would otherwise be unemployed or underemployed, providing sustainable income through fair trade. Ten Thousand Villages stores can be found in more than 100 cities across North America. A selection of coffees, teas and chocolates from Equal Exchange will be available as well. Equal Exchange Trading is a fair trade company distributing organic and fair trade products. Organized in 1979, Equal Exchange exists to provide consumers with high quality food and beverages from marginalized and small-scale farmers. All Equal Exchange products are fairly traded; most also are certified organic. Located in the park's Valley Exhibition Hall, Ten Thousand Villages is open to park guests throughout Festival of Nations.
Dollywood’s Festival of Nations continues through May 7. Operating days and hours vary. For more information, call 1-800-DOLLYWOOD or visit
www.dollywood.com.