America's Last Circus on wheels

In a world where novelty and exclusivity are the main currency, the World of Wonders is a special spectacle: it is the last American circus on wheels.

When a married couple of photographers Jimmy and Dena Katz heard about this unique troupe, they were immediately intrigued. After some hesitation, the workers of the circus "World of Miracles" agreed to be photographed. As a result, the Katz family spent three years with the traveling troupe, traveling with them in New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Florida. So the World of Miracles photo album was born.

1. "We are always looking for American subcultures with a very strong visual element, but at the same time having authenticity," says Jimmy Katz. Pictured: Ward Hall, Florida, 2007. (Jimmy and Dena Katz)

2. "We wanted to make sure that this is not just another documentary project," says Jimmy. – We wanted to make atmospheric portraits, presenting these people in a familiar environment for them. We wanted to get a certain combination of spontaneity and formality." Pictured: Ward and Red with a boa constrictor, New Jersey, 2008. (Jimmy and Dena Katz)

3. Circus on wheels is an American tradition that originated in the XIX century. Pictured: John Johnson Breathing Fire, Florida, 2007. (Jimmy and Dena Katz)

4. At the peak of this trend's heyday, more than 100 similar circuses traveled across the United States. Pictured: Chris with knives, Florida, 2007. (Jimmy and Dena Katz)

5. However, after the 1950s, tastes changed, and the magic of Hollywood began to gradually "exterminate" live performances. Pictured: Natalie and Beulah, New Jersey, 2008. (Jimmy and Dena Katz)

6. "A lot of what they do is very difficult and dangerous, but today's public is more than spoiled." Pictured: Chelsea with Mike Vitka, New Jersey, 2008. (Jimmy and Dena Katz)

7. "Big snakes and swallowing swords doesn't seem as exciting as it used to be." Pictured: Chris with Cash, New Jersey, 2008. (Jimmy and Dena Katz)

8. Although the "World of Miracles" still manages to survive, photographers say that the life of its workers can not be called easy. Artists give 12 performances a day, 7 days a week, and often work up to 14 hours a day. Pictured: Jimmy Long selling tickets, Florida, 2007. (Jimmy and Dena Katz)

9. And still the artists manage to stick to the lifestyle they love so much – the one that makes their life free and fun and allows them to get a unique pleasure from performing in front of the public. In the photo: Tommy Breen swallows a sword, New Jersey, 2008. (Jimmy and Dena Katz)

10. "These people have chosen a very hard life, but I think the fact that they constantly perform in front of an audience that applauds them and feeds their passion, so at the end of the day they feel that it was worth it," says Jimmy Katz. Pictured: Chris, Pete, Ward and Beulah, New Jersey, 2008. (Jimmy and Dena Katz)

11. Posters of the circus "World of Miracles", Florida, 2007. (Jimmy and Dena Katz)