Circus Flora kicked off the season last Friday, May 25 with the 10th annual FloraDora gala. 250 guests donned their finest attire and joined co-founder and ringmaster Ivor David Balding and FloraDora 2012 co-chairs Tom and Carol Voss, David Brown and Cate McDonald under the big top in Grand Center for Flora’s Magical Night in Camelot. Over $55,000 was raised for the 2012 production of Circus Flora.
The fantasy fundraiser began at 7 p.m. with a cocktail reception. Guests enjoyed delectable hors d’oeuvres from seven of the city’s most magnificent restaurants and wondrous libations by local members of the U.S. Bartenders’ Guild – St. Louis Chapter. As they sipped on their signature cocktails, Merlin mingled with the crowd, casting spells and concocting potions.
Guests entered the air-conditioned big top, and after meeting the Circus Flora co-chairs, participated in a live auction for marvelous prizes. Profits from the auction went toward Circus Flora’s community outreach programs, Share the Circus, which caters to families and children of disadvantaged communities, and free Community Circus Camps. “We want to remain reasonably priced,” said Kate Poss Morency, Director of Development at Circus Flora. “It is important to us that everyone can afford to come see the magic.”
After the auction, the performers presented a special preview of The Wizard followed by a one-time-only performance. “The gala is a good opportunity for the artists to demonstrate spicier acts that do not fit in the all-ages show,” Morency said. “The exclusive environment is a way for them to show off their new acts and give a sneak peak to acts that may still be under development.” To close the evening, attendees danced center ring to the beats of DJ Uptown. Morency said, “FloraDora is a beautiful event for circus lovers. It is very rewarding to have such a successful event year after year that benefits the community.” Click here to see the Party Pics from this magical evening.
There is much to look forward to in Circus Flora’s 26th season. May 31 through June 24, the 2012 Circus Arts Foundation of Missouri is performing the brand new show, The Wizard – Merlin and the Legends of King Arthur. Set in the Arthurian world of magic and adventure, the big-top fun includes returning favorites like Nino the Clown, the Flying Wallendas and the St. Louis Arches. Adding to the splendor will be new acts such as aerialist Shayna Swanson, the Anastasini dog act known as “Luciano’s Pound Puppies” and the upcoming star, Laura Lippert, who will dazzle the crowd with a one-of-a-kind suspended chair act. Also new to Circus Flora are the Peruvian twins who will deliver an elegant partner ballet in the aerial mirror act.
Circus Flora is located under the air-conditioned big top in Grand Center. Tickets start at $10. For more information about The Wizard, click here or call 314.289.4040.
