INAUGURAL CHICAGOLAND PROGRAM
FEBRUARY 17th - 26th, 2012 – NAVY PIER
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The Vision Began with..........
David Maas, and his wife Dania Kaseeva Maas, met when each was featured in the Big Apple Circus in New York City (a very successful not-for-profit Circus.)
David was Ring Master and Dania was the world champion Hula Hoop artist. They
melded as performers and then sealed their new bond with marriage, as they were both
smitten.
Shortly thereafter, they conceived the now world renowned and dynamic show titled…
"David & Dania – Quick Change", which became the hottest magic act on the global circuit.
Suddenly, they were wanted on every major TV show including America's Got Talent, Oprah,
Ellen DeGeneres, Good Morning America, NBC Today, etc. and became an official annual
starring attraction for the NBA's half- time entertainment programs across America. They
remain popular on Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines and in demand for premier corporate and
social events, as well as college campus programs and charitable benefits.
Yet in all the time they've been touring, he and Dania have talked about, and David has
dreamed about - creating his own non-profit circus in the Chicago area. After many years
working at a variety of circus entities, including twelve years with the Big Apple Circus and
fifteen years of travelling with "Quick Change", he has wanted a "home" center for their
shows, and a chance to bring his vision of a one-of-a-kind Circus to reality.
So in May of 2009, they took the name WINDY CITY CIRCUS, and incorporated it as a
501(c)(3) charitable organization. Through the efforts of David and his close friend,
businessman Gary Walter, they began the process of turning this vision into a real program.
David and Dania had already settled in Glenview - and Gary and his entrepreneurial wife
Renee Walter lived in Northbrook. Thus the duos could meet often and work through their
goal objectives as they sought out sites and resources and the right person or group to
complement their creative and production needs. That's when David contacted Barbara Lee
Cohen, of PRODUCTIONS USA, Inc… a prominent producer who booked Quick Change. It only
took one meeting to captivate Barbara, her love for concepts, production and charitable
projects and entice her to help with the mission. She added to the mix – creating the "hook"–
the theme - which would further inspire and turn this fantasy into a very viable vehicle, to
attract audiences as well as funding sources and an even more powerful production package.
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The Windy City Circus Mission
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The Windy City Circus' mission is to bring the community at large…. the excitement of
traditional circus performed under the Big Top combined with the fascinating history
of one of the great cities of the world - Chicago…and to meld the entire Circus with a Purpose
so it will be recognized as one of the most entertaining, educational and rewarding projects
in the Midwest –perhaps one of the most popular in the country.
And what greater gifts are there, than lifting spirits, bringing laughter and joy to
people of all ages, while helping needy and disabled children and families. That's what
Windy City Circus will always strive to provide along with affordable family entertainment
featuring professional, outstanding world-renowned performers.
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Windy City Circus Performances
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The best of the best will be put to the test three times a day – six days a week, and
twice a day on Sundays …and with famous trapeze and aerial acts, daring floor level
performers, show horse and dog acts, reincarnations of past circus greats and formidable
clowns plus the amazing feats by David & Dania of Quick Change, the World Hula Hoop
champion and other one-of-a-kind acts. Guiding the crowds through this masterful storied
show each time, will be extraordinary performer David Maas, who will also serve as head
'Ring Master'.
The historical Chicago interactive attractions before the show and during the
intermission will enhance the all-encompassing theme.
A very important notation: use of animals in the performances will be limited to horse and
dog acts, with all appropriate animal supervision, care and treatment.
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Concurrent and Future Plans
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Each year moving forward Windy City Circus plans to increase the number of Circus'
starting with the Inaugural Show in February of 2012. Circus Wish: Windy City Circus and its
sponsors will provide schools and not-for-profit organizations, which serve disabled, or
disadvantaged children, free or discounted tickets to provide these special children the
opportunity to participate in, and experience the joy and magic of live circus performance.
And Each Year new ideas will be added to enhance the philosophy of embracing
children in need and their families, and using the Circus concept to further educate as well as
entertainment wherever the show is featured.
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