People's Artist of the USSR, trainer Mstislav Zapashny was born on May 16, 1938. He began to get involved in the circus since childhood and first entered the arena at the age of six.
He was the author of many innovative circus programs, such as the pantomime performance "Spartacus" and the number "Acrobats - voltigeurs on horseback" He served as general director of the Russian State Circus, and also for some time stood at the head of the Sochi State Circus.