Paulina Schumann, born Paulina Andreu i Busto in Barcelona in 1921, was a prominent circus artist, renowned for her elegance and skill in the equestrian arts. Daughter of the famous clown Charlie Rivel and Carmen Busto, Paulina grew up in a family deeply rooted in the circus world. From an early age, she trained in various disciplines such as acrobatics, balance, dance, music and pantomime, which made her a versatile and well-rounded artist.
Paulina Schumann: Beginnings of the circus princess
In 1927, the Andreu family moved to Germany to work with the prestigious Cirkus Schumann, one of the most renowned circus families in Denmark. It was during this time that Paulina met Albert Schumann, a member of the Schumann dynasty, whom she married in 1945. This union merged two important circus lineages: the Andreu-Rivel and the Schumann. From then on, Paulina delved into the equestrian arts, revolutionizing the discipline with innovative stagings that combined elements of cinema and music hall. Her shows were characterized by a careful aesthetic, where the costumes of the horses and the artists played an essential role.
Following the closure of Circus Schumann in 1969, Paulina temporarily retired from the circus world. However, in 1972, following the death of her mother, she resumed her artistic activity, accompanying her father in his performances until his death in 1983. During this period, they performed in renowned European circuses, such as Circus Krone in Germany.
The last performance of the amazon at the Raluy Historic Circus
Despite her successful international career, Paulina had not had the opportunity to show her equestrian art in Spain. This situation changed in 1988, when, at the age of 77, she gave a memorable performance at the Historical Raluy Circus in Barcelona. In this performance, Paulina demonstrated her mastery as a high school rider, captivating the audience with her elegance and skill. This performance not only marked her equestrian debut on Spanish soil, but also represented her farewell to the stage, consolidating her legacy as one of the great ladies of the circus.
After her final retirement, Paulina settled in Cubelles, her father's hometown, where she spent her last years. Her contribution to the world of the circus was recognised on multiple occasions; in 2007, she received the Gold Medal for Merit in Fine Arts awarded by the Spanish Ministry of Culture, and in 2008, she was awarded the National Circus Prize by the Generalitat of Catalonia.
Paulina Schumann passed away in 2020, at the age of 99, leaving an indelible legacy in the history of the circus. Her life and career are a testament to a golden age of the European circus, where her talent and dedication made her an emblematic figure and a true icon of the circus. circus princess.
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