Oceana Renz

Overview

Oceana Renz (dates unconfirmed) was a celebrated tightrope dancer associated with the Renz circus family. She married Ernst Johann Gottlieb Renz in 1873, son of Ernst Renz senior, founder of the Zirkus Renz (established 1843), one of the most famous circus dynasties in 19th-century Europe. She was known as a rope dancer of exceptional skill. In June 1880, on the eve of the Grand Prix, she was performing at a Paris circus — described by Marie as "une représentation épatante" (a stunning performance). "Une foule immense d'hommes envahit la piste pour mieux voir Océana sur son fil de fer" (An immense crowd of men invaded the arena to better see Oceana on her wire).

References in Diary

• 1880-06-05: Performing at a Paris circus on the eve of the Grand Prix; huge crowd to watch her on the tightrope.

Sources

Wikipedia: Ernst Renz; Alamy photo caption (Madame Oceana Renz, c. 1885).