By David Cain
Gregory Popovich is a very well-known name in the juggling, circus, and variety worlds as a world class juggler and animal trainer. He has now released a wonderful book detailing the portion of his life growing up in Russia and performing as part of the Soviet circus world. The book is just shy of 400 pages long and contains over 130 photos.
Popovich takes readers on a journey through his life immersed in circus. His father Aleksei Popovich was a talented salon / gentleman juggler and his mother Tamara Alexandrova was a juggler and animal trainer. His grandparents were foot jugglers.
Aleksei Popovich
Tamara Alexandrova performing the Kara Box trick with the help from a trained dog
The book is very well-written and details the history of the Soviet circus from someone who lived through it and also had family that did so. This makes for a much more detailed and personal account. Therefore, it makes for a compelling read for fans of Popovich, giving background to his famous transition from world-class to juggler to also being a famed animal trainer and clown. It also gives the reader a look at the broader history and scope of the Soviet circus world from someone deeply ingrained in that world and culture.
Gregory Popovich juggling 9 rings on a freestanding ladder
The book ends with a pictorial timeline of the Moscow Circus’ performances in North America from 1962 to 1997.
I hope that Gregory publishes another book detailing the second half of his career at some point. But regarding this first volume, I highly recommend it. You can order the book from Gregory by clicking here. There are also copies available for sale at the Museum of Juggling History if you visit it. The cost either way is $15.00 USD.
If you’re not familiar with Gregory’s juggling act and skill, check out the videos below.
David Cain
David Cain is a professional juggler, juggling historian, and the owner of the world's only juggling museum, the Museum of Juggling History. He is a Guinness world record holder and 16 time IJA gold medalist. In addition to his juggling pursuits, David is a successful composer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and singer as well as the author of twenty-six books. He and his children live in Middletown, OH (USA).