In celebration of Black History Month, this session featured Bernice Collins, the first African-American female clown with Ringling Bros and Barnum & Bailey Circus!
After graduating from Clown College in 1977, Bernice performed as a clown for two years. Desiring to be a showgirl, she studied dance while clowning and was offered a showgirl position. In 1982, she asked Irvin Feld if she could be trained as a tiger presenter. He agreed and asked legendary animal trainer Charly Baumann to mentor her. Bernice went on to become both a tiger and a horse presenter and later a tour manager with Ringling. After leaving Ringling, Bernice became company manager for the Big Apple Circus and later the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. CHS vice president Chris Berry hosted this session.
More information about the career of trailblazing African-American circus legend Bernice Collins is available on the Uncle Junior Project website.
We are a tax exempt not for profit educational organization dedicated to preserving the rich history of circus. Nonmembers are invited to join CHS to receive full member benefits, including four issues of Bandwagon: The Journal of the Circus Historical Society, access to the members-only Back Yard and bookstore, discounted registration for our annual Convention, and more! Click here to learn more and join today!
Previous Circus History Live! programs are available for viewing on the CHS YouTube Channel.
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