Blackpool Circus School was founded in 1999 by former circus artistes Yuri and Tonya Gridneff. Established to teach circus skills, promote well-being, and boost confidence in the local community, the school later incorporated as a Community Interest Company (CIC) in May 2008.
Yuri, who sadly passed away in March 2023, devoted his life to circus, performance and inspiring young people. He came from a rich Russian circus heritage. His father was part of the Amazing Gridneffs ladder-balancing act, touring internationally and appearing at venues including the London Palladium alongside stars such as George Formby, Gracie Fields and Max Miller, and sharing top billing with Charlie Cairoli at Blackpool Tower Circus. Yuri’s mother was part of the Ralpfinis, a family of musical clowns who also toured widely across Europe and Asia.
Yuri joined his parents’ act as a young performer and toured variety theatres across the UK, working with many of the leading entertainers of the era. He later completed his national service with the RAF Regiment, serving in Northern Ireland and Cyprus.
After leaving the forces, Yuri married Tonya, whom he met while performing in pantomime. Tonya trained at the Corona Academy Stage School in London and appeared in films as a child, including The Million Pound Note alongside Gregory Peck. With dance as her main passion, she and Yuri went on to form their own act, performing in circuses, theatres and nightclubs both in the UK and abroad. Their international work took them to Israel, Malta, Belgium and across Europe, as well as on a world cruise. They appeared on major television programmes including Sunday Night at the London Palladium, Crackerjack and Chipperfield’s Christmas Circus, and performed twice at Buckingham Palace.
From 1985, Yuri and Tonya focused their work on primary schools, touring the length of the UK and returning to many schools year after year. Their shows evolved to include circus skills workshops, allowing children to try juggling and unicycling in a disciplined but joyful environment. These experiences inspired the creation of Blackpool Circus School, founded to nurture talented young people and help them develop professional circus skills.
Since they stopped touring in 2003, Blackpool Circus School has gone on to play a major role in local events, with students performing to a consistently high professional standard — a lasting legacy of Yuri and Tonya’s passion for circus and education.
For adults & children 7+, Thursdays 6pm – 8pm, £5
The Salvation Army, Dorset St, Blackpool FY4 3BB
Yuri juggling 8 rings on a unicycle.
