As the festive season approaches, we automatically think of family, and Benidorm Excursions wanted to pay homage to a very special Circus family, the Gambi family!

The family will have much to celebrate this Christmas, with the family heritage that unites them all: the circus.

No one is aware  when they arrive at the Benidorm Circus, that Jacques,  the elderly gentleman, showing the public to their seats, is the grandfather of two of the artists performing in the show, Elena & Brayan Gambi, and that he was also a circus performer, forming part of  a very famous Circus act, The Gambi Brothers,  in which he lifted an 8 metre pole, while his brother was balancing and performing at the top

Ask Jacques about his grandchildren, and the proud grandfather doesn't hesitate, stating that he is "so very proud that they're following in his footsteps," and that he tries to see all their performances."

He can't help it; the circus is his life. Born in Lyon, Jacques tells us of his love for the Circus world. "When I was young, my brother and I did a lot of gymnastics. We belonged to a gymnastics association and loved to watch all the balancing acts.

The two brothers built an act, approached some Parisian showmen with that act ...and subsequently embarked on a tour: "One year in America, six months in Moscow, three years in Germany". He met his wife, Geraldine, a trapeze artist, while working in the Circus, and their son Sergio was born into the circus family."  Sergio began performing in the circus when he was 3 or 4 years of age and then travelled the world with his parents. 

Elena and Brayan are very proud of their grandfather, Jacques.    "He helps us with everything, giving us advice on our performances as well as ideas and tips to improve our technique," says his granddaughter Elena.  Currently, she performs in the show, but she knows the importance of education and wants to continue studying. She now combines her 2nd year of high school with piano and ballet lessons. "I've been dancing since I was 4 or 5 years old (...) I like combining dancing with juggling." ; So Elena combines her love of both arts, performing on pointe while juggling with hoops and balls.  

 Elena has watched her brother perform since he was very young, and feels nervous when he performs.  "It is as if I were performing, and  if something goes wrong, you feel powerless, knowing you can't do anything." 

Brayan performs a balancing act very similar to the one that made his father, Sergio, famous,  and hopes to continue to follow in his footsteps with hard work.  He is clear that his father has had a major influence on his life and that he has provided them with the best.    He loves to hear the audience applauding his sister and giving her the recognition she deserves.  Performing gives Brayan great satisfaction, and his grandfather's pride in them both, even more.

This is a Circus Saga you can learn more about if you visit the Benidorm Circus!