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Meet Jonathan Rinny & Family, with amazing Youtube video!  Submitted by Jim Cole on   6/10/2010 Last Modified During the month of May, the Carson & Barnes Circus played several dates in Florida.  I first caught up with them in Gainesville, where I met a remarkable young circus performer and his family.   Eighteen year old Jonathan Rinny was carrying his unicycles into the big top during the morning set up, and I took the oportunity to introduce myself to him.   I gathered that he was from a Spanish speaking country, and was concerned that there may be a language barrier.   Well, Jonathan and his family speak very good English, and we had a wonderful conversation, and found that we have may good mutual circus friends!  After watching them perform under the big top, I decided that I must do an article on them for Circus4Youth!  The "Mighty" Carson & Barnes Circus set up in Daytona, FL The Rinny family, who's real last name is "Olivero" had just recently joined the Carson & Barnes Circus, replacing an act that had prior commitments.  The Rinny family consists of His dad & mom, Waldo and Alejandra,  2 older sisters, Yasmin and Johanna, and Jonathan himself.  The Rinny Family at Circus Circus in Reno, NV  Presently on Carson & Barnes, the Rinny Family performs their bicycle / unicycle act and their fast paced juggling act.  On days that they are showing on a rough terrain, the bike act is not able to work...Jonathan presents his world class Rola-Bola act in it's place.  While in Florida, I was able to see all three acts in various locations.  Only two acts are presented per show however.   Also members of the Rinny family join the rest of the cast in the 3 circus production numbers, opening, aerial / spec, and finale.     Left: Working in the "Red White & Blue" circus production number. Right: Jonathan's mom, Alejandra.           Left: Jonathan talking to Francessca Cavallini, one of the many friends that he has made on the Carson & Barnes Circus Right: Clown Alex Acero, Jonathan Rinny, and Youth CFA Member James "Mikey" Allegood on the lot in Sanford, FL. The Rinny Family first came to America 3 years ago, and worked on the American Crown Circus, and then at the Circus Circus Casino in Reno, NV.    While in Reno they did a half time show at a college football game, and were seen on ESPN TV.   They were also on hand at the Reno Airport, and did a show right in the lobby by the baggage claim area for arriving Vollyball tournament players.     They then went to Mexico for two years, and just recently returned back to America for the Carson & Barnes Circus. At the Reno Airport, awaiting the arrival of Vollyball Players in 2007!    The Rinny Family at Circus Circus Casino in Reno, NV. The Bicycle / Unicycle act: On one of the Florida dates, Mr. Don V. Smith, who is the unicyle coach at the Sailor Circus in Sarasota, saw the Rinny Family perform. He commented: "Saw this show last night. Thought it was wonderful. The unicycle act was very impressive despite the rough terain they were performing on. Great fun."     A specially made trick bicycle, it has 134 spokes...on each wheel!        Jonathan gets a "birthday present" (every show)...the world's smallest bicycle, which he is prompted into riding!     Left:   A special 5 wheeled unicycle being riden by Jonathan.  Right:  This bike can be modified to an amazing 7 wheels as seen here! Watch Jonathan Rinny ride the 7 wheeled unicycle here on Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sRnLrEtqR94 The Rola Bola Act:     Putting together the rola bola pedestal, which is about 5 feet high, and a pre-show practice next to the family RV trailer.     The Rola Bola act starts off with a Latin Tango dance!    The special white tuxedo was located in Mexico, and required alterations so it could be easily taken off during the act.     As you can see from the photos, they are from three different shows with 3 different costumes!     Left: Balancing on 4 skateboards,  Right: The final trick, 5 stacked cyliders! Juggling:     Left: Juggling 5 clubs.  Right: juggling 10 hoops with his father. Sister and Dad in a "club exchange" routine. Not a good time to send a text message!     Juggling 7 hoops....then an attempt at 8! Jonathan has a pretty rigid schedule being on tour with Carson & Barnes Circus.  They do many one day stands, and have 2 (sometimes 3) shows a day, with rarely a day off.  However on occasion they do find time to make a fun side trip.  Such was the case recently during a two day engagement in Daytona Beach, FL, when nearly the whole show went to the "World's Most Famous Beach" for a few hours.   More than one sunburn was visible during the night show. I'm sure that Jonathan is trying to figure out how to make this "beach tricycle" part of his circus act! People from the Carson & Barnes Circus enjoy a fun day at Daytona Beach, FL,  May 24, 2010. I asked Jonathan who has been performing since he was 4 years old, some of the normal questions that I pose at all the youth performers that I interview.    For sports, he enjoys playing soccer, and on occassion gets the chance to do so with other performers and working men on the show.  His favorite foods are American Burgers, BBQ'd steaks, Spaghetti and Pizza.  Hmmmmm...sounds familiar! (My favorites as well).   Jonathan has a wide range of musical tastes, but is always looking for new music to add to his performance.  For movies (when he gets a chance to go), he enjoys a good action movie such as "Iron Man Transformers" or the "Dark Knight". Check out the Carson & Barnes Circus website: www.carsonbarnescircus.com  .   Look for their tour schedule, and if they are anywhere near you, be sure to see the show and say hi to Jonathan!  Tell him you saw him on Circus4Youth! THE END Email This Resource   Copyright © 1999-2010 Circus Fans Association of America and Authors. 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