Culture
Duo Vanegas: extraordinary, powerful, breathtaking
Have you ever heard of the Duo Vanegas?
Alejandro (36) and his nephew Michael (22) are right now performing at the Conelli circus in Zurich. They are the sensation of this year´s program.
Duo Vanegas, Zurich at Conelli – credits Vivamost
The two men from Bogota, Colombia, are touring the world with their wheel of death. Just the word is terrifying enough ! The 9m long wheel weights 500 kg and spins at about 30km/hr. One man makes it turn while the other jumps in and outside of the wheel, going at a height of 10 meters.
Circus acts with wheels are not new but the Vanegas are one of the best at the moment on the market. They have won a gold medal at the Festival international from Budapest, a gold place at the Festival of best artist at the circus Flic Flac in Kassel, a Gold at the circus Festival Zalewski in Poland and a Bronze at the Festival international in Massy in France.
Alejandro comes from a circus family, already in the 4th generation. He has been doing it for 13 years now, 6 years in Europe. They have been with the best circus, with the Knie touring for 8 months, with Salto Natale, in France with the circus Bouglione and with Arlette Gruss twice. They also have worked in Sweden and Danemark.
Alejandro from Duo Vanegas, Zurich at Conelli – credits Vivamost
At first it was not sure if the duo would come to Conelli as the tent is 11 meter high. Building the wheel everyday takes 10 minutes. It takes 10 to 12 men to lift it and transport it to the chapiteau. The two acrobats are supervising and helping with the screws. They feel more confident if they take part of the montage, says Alejandro to Vivamost.
Alejandro was very talkative during our interview at the circus during the show. One could have listened to him for hours.
Alejandro and Micheal Vanegas performing at Conelli
Their performance will give you goosebumps and you will have to hold your breath many times. Alejandro said he loves when the public claps and gets excited. It makes him feel proud. Before entering the chapiteau they try to relax, listen to music, talk with their families, check emails or stretch.
Duo Vanegas is the last performance of the program “Das Original”, an excellent choice for an end. During that act Jeremy Gasser,at the guitar,plays an up-beat song. Don´t miss it ! Be prepared for a circus act from out of this world !
In 2020 after a holiday back at home they will head to Germany to the Bad Nauheim´s theater.
