subject: Shows in Branson, MO Have Talent, Training, and Staying Power [print this page] Shows in Branson, MO Have Talent, Training, and Staying Power
It takes talent to make it into any of the shows in Branson, MO. Did you ever consider what it takes to make it to the big time?
First of all, being a performer often involves physical strength. Take, for example, Marina the Ballerina, a featured performer in Yakov Smirnoff's Dinner Adventure. Marina was a dancer with the renowned Bolshoi Ballet, a position for which most future ballerinas start training as early as the age of four. It takes years of intense training and practice in ballet and pointe classes to earn a spot in the Bolshoi.
Even then, it still takes daily practice to maintain peak condition, both in and out of season. Most people don't realize that ballet dancers rank second only to football players in terms of physical stamina. Yet ballet dancers are trained to make it all look effortless.
Marina the ballerina has the added challenge of being an aerialist that is, she performs many of her balletic moves while suspended from a trapeze ring or even a long curtain. Such an effort takes considerable upper-body and core strength as well as flexibility. Many aerialists get their start by taking gymnastics and rhythmic gymnastics classes along with their regular ballet classes. An injury during the training period can cancel those dreams in an instant.
There is also plenty of work that goes on behind the scenes. Zhanna Alferova sees to it that her Incredibly Intelligent Dogs are trained and cared for. Anthony the unicyclist must keep his wheels in top condition and continuously try out new tricks. The menus of the dinner feast are always being revised to provide the tastiest meal possible to be served in the most convenient way.
All those tasks take management know-how. Andrei the Clown, the other star of Yakov Smirnoff's Dinner Adventure is also the producer of this show. Andrei Soumiatin has 30 years of experience in producing shows like Yakov's dinner-theater program. It's hard work putting together a program that has enough variety to please most audiences. Obviously, he and Yakov have succeeded brilliantly the Dinner Adventure remains one of the top shows in Branson, MO.
Because Branson is a top show-business town, many people travel there hoping to make it into the cast of one of the many Branson shows. That's easier said than done, but the people of Branson are always willing to help another up-and-coming performer. Several established stars have been known to offer student seminars on the business of show business. This includes Yakov Smirnoff himself, who has taught on the Business of Laughter at Missouri State University and Drury University.
The Branson Lakes Area Convention and Visitors Bureau has even compiled a resource guide to help student groups get their chance.
Many so-called sophisticated people dismiss shows in Branson, MO, as being too corny. However, it's worth considering just how much blood, sweat, and tears go into each performance. Decades of training go into each show, and those efforts are rewarded by your applause.
Unfortunately, in today's challenging economy, even the biggest-name acts have been finding it tough to fill the theaters. Some have closed down completely while others have moved to smaller venues. Yet true show-business professionals like Yakov Smirnoff stick around year after year, proving that shows in Branson, MO, are as good as you have always heard.
