description Annie Fratellini Overview
Annie Fratellini was a French circus performer, actress, and singer who inherited the legacy of the famous Fratellini family of clowns. Dedicated to preserving and advancing circus arts, she co-founded the École Nationale du Cirque in Paris in 1974. Her work as an educator helped transform circus training into a formalized, respected discipline in France. She also starred in several films, including the 1965 Academy Award-winning short "La douche" and "The Great Spy Chase."
help Annie Fratellini FAQ
Who founded the circus school with Annie Fratellini?
She created the École Nationale du Cirque with clown, actor, and filmmaker Pierre Étaix in 1974. Their school opened professional circus training beyond the traditional family apprenticeship system.
Was Annie Fratellini born into a circus family?
Yes, she belonged to the Fratellini circus dynasty and was the daughter of clown and trapeze artist Victor Fratellini. She initially worked in music and film before returning to circus performance.
What kind of clown act did Annie Fratellini perform?
Fratellini often performed as an auguste, the disruptive or foolish clown, opposite Pierre Étaix's more controlled white-clown figure. She also played musical instruments, bringing concert and cabaret experience into the ring.
Is Annie Fratellini's original school still operating?
Its legacy continues through the Académie Fratellini in Saint-Denis, which opened its current form in the early 2000s. The academy provides higher education in contemporary circus arts and explicitly traces its history to the 1974 school.
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