Sarasota in Sarasota County, Florida — The American South (South Atlantic)
The Pedrolas
Circus Ring of Fame
Photographed By Brandon D Cross, February 27, 2020
1. The Pedrolas Marker
Following the 2nd World War, Rudolf Mootz, his wife Gerda, his brothers Peter and Wilhelm, along with Beppo Wallenda formed the Wallenda/Mootz Highwire Troupe, performing in Europe. After disbanding that group, Rudolf and Gerda, along with daughter Dagmar, were brought to the U.S.A. by the Mills Bros. Circus. They worked with many circuses, including the famous Circo Atayde in Mexico. Their extraordinary cradle act was featured in the movie Jumbo. Displaying their patented and never duplicated Loop de Loop, and the dizzying Helicopter Spin. Gerda did the Slide For Life and at one time executed the feat crossing the River Rhine hanging by her teeth for over two minutes. They also did a comedic wire act which featured six year old Dagmar, billed as the youngest wire walker. She continued honing her wire skills perfecting the Chinese Split. Dagmar went on to pursue her career in music.
Rudolf was fond of everything Mexican and thusly adopted the name Pedro, naming the act The Pedrolas for his family.
Erected 2018 by The Rosaire Family and the Circus Ring of Fame Foundation.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Entertainment.
Location. 27° 19.086′
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. La Tosca (here, next to this marker); Wilson Storey (here, next to this marker); Antoinette Concello (here, next to this marker); Con Colleano (here, next to this marker); Mabel Stark (here, next to this marker); Franz Unus (here, next to this marker); Lillian Leitzel (here, next to this marker); The Clarke Family (here, next to this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Sarasota.
Regarding The Pedrolas. The Circus “Ring of Fame” recognizes those persons who made a significant contribution to the art and culture of the circus. With dozens of inductees from around the world, the Ring of Fame began in 1986 as a way to honor world famous circus performers and the rich circus heritage of the Sarasota, Florida area.
Also see . . . Circus Ring of Fame. Website homepage (Submitted on March 24, 2020, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida.)
Photographed By Brandon D Cross, February 27, 2020
2. The Pedrolas Marker
Photographed By Brandon D Cross, February 27, 2020
3. Sectional view which includes The Pedrolas Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on May 17, 2022. It was originally submitted on March 24, 2020, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. This page has been viewed 176 times since then and 8 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on March 24, 2020, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.
