Born: 1926 (Randers, Jutland)
La Norma Fox, born Norma Nielsen on 9 February 1926 in Randers, Jutland, was a Danish-born aerialist and trapeze artist who made a significant impact on the circus world. Her captivating performances and relentless determination not only established her as a renowned circus artist but also paved the way for future generations of women in the industry.
Growing up in a family deeply involved in the cinema industry, Norma was surrounded by the world of entertainment. She developed a love for circus acts from an early age, often performing with her siblings in their backyard. At just 14 years old, Norma caught the eye of Emilie Altenburg, a prominent circus performer, at a local ballet school. Recognizing Norma’s potential, Altenburg took her under her wing and brought her to Copenhagen for intensive training as a trapeze artist.
Norma’s talent shone through, and she made her debut at Varieté Maxim in Randers, adopting the stage name La Norma when she performed at the Scala in Copenhagen at the age of 16. However, her ambitions were interrupted by World War II. Seeking safety, Altenburg took Norma to Norway and then to Sweden, where they performed in various circuses. The war came to an end, and Norma, now skilled and experienced, continued her career in Denmark, touring with Circus Belli in 1946.
It was during her tenure with Circus Belli that Norma crossed paths with André Fox, a Frenchman who would become her husband and strongest supporter. Encouraged by Fox, Norma decided to leave Altenburg’s troupe and venture into new territories. The couple embarked on a journey to France, where Norma stunned audiences with her aerial act suspended from the Eiffel Tower, catching the attention of circus impresarios around the world.
In 1949, Norma and André Fox received an enticing offer from Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus. They wasted no time seizing the opportunity and moved to the United States. Norma began her career with the renowned circus and quickly captivated audiences with her breathtaking performances. Her versatility and skill made her an invaluable member of the troupe, elevating her status as a circus artist.
Norma’s outstanding talent and dedication led to her being chosen as a stand-in for Betty Hutton in the 1952 film The Greatest Show on Earth. This marked a significant milestone in her career, further solidifying her reputation as a world-class performer. Her contributions to the film industry inspired many and demonstrated her immense versatility as an artist.
While she continued to perform with various American circuses over the next two decades, Norma’s impact extended far beyond the stage. Fellow trapeze artist Tony Steele has credited her as his inspiration for joining the circus, highlighting the influence she had on aspiring performers. Norma’s unwavering determination and pursuit of excellence inspired countless individuals, especially women, to embrace their passion for the circus and overcome societal barriers.
In 1974, tragedy struck when Norma’s son Gilbert was paralyzed in a scooter accident. Devoted to her family, Norma made the difficult decision to retire from the circus to care for Gilbert. However, her love for the circus never waned, and she shifted her focus to training young performers until the mid-1980s.
Today, Norma Fox resides in Sarasota, Florida, in the heart of the circus community. Her extraordinary career and lasting contributions to the art of aerial performance are commemorated by a Ring of Fame marker in Sarasota, where her achievements and impact on the circus industry are forever immortalized.