Cirque du Canines
“Perfect family fun, audience interactive and has something for every age.”
— Academy Center of the Arts
Cirque du Canines is a family-friendly live entertainment show that combines circus-style performance with highly trained dogs showcasing athleticism, intelligence, and positive human-canine relationships. Founded in 2019 by professional dog performers Gail Mirabella and Michelle Harrell, the production was created to bring the excitement of a traditional circus to the stage while placing dogs at the center of the action.
The show features approximately fifteen dogs performing a wide range of skills, including high-flying Frisbee routines, agility demonstrations, box high jumps, hoop jumping, jump-roping, trick performances, and choreographed acts set to music. Colorful costumes, audience interaction, and theatrical staging create an engaging experience for spectators of all ages. Performances often conclude with opportunities for audience members to meet the dogs and trainers, reinforcing the show's educational message about responsible dog ownership and positive training methods.
Cirque du Canines emphasizes reward-based training and the close bonds between the handlers and their dogs. The founders describe the canine performers as members of their families and the true stars of the show. Their mission is not only to entertain but also to demonstrate what can be achieved through trust, patience, and positive reinforcement.
The production has toured theaters, fairs, festivals, and performing arts centers across the United States. Its blend of circus spectacle and canine talent has earned it a reputation as a unique live attraction that appeals to dog lovers, families, and audiences seeking wholesome entertainment.
Michelle Harrell – Co-Founder
Michelle Harrell is a veteran dog trainer and entertainer affectionately known as “Poodle Mama” because of her renowned troupe of performing poodles. With more than twenty years of experience performing at fairs, festivals, and stage productions, she has built a reputation for creating energetic and engaging canine routines. Harrell specializes in choreographed trick acts that include barrel rolling, hoop jumping, audience-participation routines, and canine magic-style performances. Her emphasis on precision training and showmanship complements Mirabella’s athletic canine demonstrations, making the pair a natural creative partnership.
Gail Mirabella – Co-Founder
Gail Mirabella is a professional dog trainer, canine sports competitor, and entertainer with decades of experience in the dog-performance industry. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Science from Delaware Valley University and began competing in canine flying-disc events during the 1990s. Over the years, she achieved national recognition in disc-dog competitions and became one of the most successful female competitors in the sport.
Mirabella founded The Dynamo Dogs in 2006 and gained national exposure as a featured dog-act performer with Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus. During her four-year tour with Ringling, her canine act was recognized as the “Best Animal Act” by fellow performers in 2008. She has also appeared with other circus productions and on numerous television programs.
Her expertise in Frisbee dogs, agility, high-jump events, and trick training became a cornerstone of Cirque du Canines when she partnered with Michelle Harrell in 2019.