“The traveling sideshow circus isn’t dead!” Vlad the strong tells Joe Floccari. “People think the circus life is over. it’s not.” We met up with ‘Vlad the Strong’ at MomoCon in Atlanta. He was performing in a conference room in the Omni Hotel. Not exactly a typical circus environment, but as Vlad explains, “I’ll go wherever the crowd is and where I can perform.”
Carnival sideshows have been a part of American entertainment culture for decades. The performers who work in them often have unique backgrounds and captivating stories. One such performer is Vladimir Bratovich, better known as “Vlad The Strong.” In this article, we will take a closer look at his life as a carnival sideshow performer.
Vlad continues the interview while taking a taser to the stomach, “My record for taking a taser to the stomach without passing out is a minute in a half.”
When asked how he can take a taser without falling he chalks it up to meditation. “I just meditated and focus until I can’t feel anything.”
The Hangman’s Noose – A Popular Sideshow Stunt
The MomoCon crowd counts down from 30 as Vlad performs ‘the hangman noose’ infant of a crowd. This is where a rope is wrapped around his neck and both ends are pulled in both directions.
“Earlier this week I performed the same stunt with 6 people pulling from both sides. Sooner or later something goes wrong and I went unconscious.”
He explains it’s not a stunt you can really practice. You just have to do it and hope for the best.
The Guillotine Stunt
“The guillotine stunt is another you can’t practice. You just have to be strong enough to fight the blade under your neck.” Vlad explains the process as he places his neck over a machete as someone places cinderblocks on his back. “I like to stare into the eyes of the crowd while I perform this.”
Vlad then has a member of his team break the cinderblock with a sledgehammer. ‘Vlad the Strong’ says this is his favorite act to perform.
Vlad says he travels the country as a carnival sideshow performer. “I love traveling all over. From a small bar crowd, a giant fair, or a conference room at the Omni Hotel in Atlanta. I’ll give the exact same show.”
Who is Vlad the Strong?
Vladimir Bratovich aka “Vlad the strong, is a carnival sideshow performer for the Wandering Caravan Sideshow out of Kentucky. He’s spent his entire life performing incredible feats of strength in front of curious audiences.
Born and raised in a traveling circus, Vlad has circus life in his blood. As a member of the “Romani people”, also known as “gypsies”, he spent his early years watching his parents perform and learning the tricks of the trade. By the time he was 14 years old, he had already begun performing as part of the family act.
After the circus disbanded, Vladimir Bratovich found himself drawn to the carnival sideshow circuit. He quickly became known for his acts of strength, which included lifting and carrying heavy objects and bending metal bars with his teeth. He soon gained a following and began traveling from city to city as a sideshow performer.
Vlad loves the carnival life and traveling circus life so much that he created a comic book “Sideshow of Psychosis.” Its a mix of fantasy and real-life experiences
What is a Traveling Sideshow Circus?
These shows featured various performers, including human oddities, sword swallowers, and fire eaters, among others. One of the main draws of carnival side shows is their ability to shock and amaze audiences with their daring and dangerous stunts.
Carnival sideshows have been a part of American history for over a century. They were first introduced as part of traveling circuses in the mid-19th century and soon became a popular attraction at fairs and carnivals across the country.
In the early days of carnival side shows, the performers were often referred to as “freaks.” However, as the shows gained popularity, the term fell out of favor and was replaced with “sideshow performers.” These performers were often people who had physical abnormalities or unique talents that set them apart from others.
WATCH: Vlad The Strong Pulls a Truck
Joining the Sideshow Circuit
After the circus disbanded, Vladimir Bratovich found himself drawn to the carnival sideshow circuit. He quickly became known for his acts of strength, which included lifting and carrying heavy objects and bending metal bars with his teeth. He soon gained a following and began traveling from city to city as a sideshow performer.
The Life of a Sideshow Performer
The life of a carnival sideshow performer is not an easy one. Sideshow performers often work long hours and live in cramped conditions.
However, for Vladimir Bratovich, the thrill of performing and the connection he felt with his audience made it all worth it. He often spoke of the sense of community among sideshow performers and the camaraderie that developed among them.
The Legacy of Sideshow Performers
̌Vladimir Bratovich is just one of many performers who have made their mark on the sideshow circuit. From the famous “Elephant Man” Joseph John Merrick to Schlitzie, who appeared in the classic film “Freaks,” sideshow performers have long captured the imaginations of audiences around the world. They have often been the subject of fascination and intrigue, as well as fear and exploitation.
However, as Vlad The Strong reminds us, circus life is not over. It may not be as prevalent as it once was, but there are still performers out there carrying on the tradition of the carnival sideshow. They continue to captivate audiences with their incredible feats of strength, their unique personalities, and their fascinating stories.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Vladimir Bratovich, aka Vlad The Strong, has had an interesting and varied career as a carnival sideshow performer. From his early days traveling with his family’s circus act to his current status as a beloved sideshow performer, he has left his mark on the world of entertainment. We can only hope that the tradition of the carnival sideshow continues to thrive for many years to come.
WATCH: Rideshare Confessions: “I was Stabbed and We Stopped to Pick Up Strippers!”