Circus Ring of Fame Wheel Plaque

Pedrolas

Inducted into the Ring of Fame: 2017

Circus Profession: Wire/Cradle/Clowns

Pedrolas Circus Ring Of Fame Foundation inductee

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.