Growing up with the circus, and an uncle (guess who?) who wrote about it, Ive always gotten butterflies in my stomach when the lights came up and the music started. I'm happy to say that this still happens for me even at the tender age of 53. Luckily my husband also loves the circus and the traditional acts that we remember as children.
One Ring Fans
One thing that we always agree on is the three ring circus idea. Both
my husband and I get overwhelmed with three rings and always felt like
we were missing part of the show. We were so excited to see only one
ring at the circus this year and enjoyed it so much more.The show started with the National Anthem with an elephant draped with a sequin red white and blue cape. A woman road on its back and waved to the crowd As we all sang the patriotic song. What a great way to open the circus, God bless America!
Refreshing Ringmaster Relief
The Act after that included two horses, dancers, cyclists, and an
"around the world" boat. We really enjoyed the opener. We loved the young ringmaster (David Shipman), who was also a great singer and rolled around on an elevated little platform that raised up really high now and then. I must say he is one of my favorite ringmasters in
recent years. If I had to say why, it would be because of his friendly
face, enthusiasm, wonderful singing voice, and lack of cheesiness that
some ring masters suffer from. We liked him!!
Good Circusy Music ... Ho Hum Camels and Clowns
Costumes were good, not amazing, and music was good, more circusy than
recent years. 😊The camels were next and failed to entertain us. The theme seemed to be a "travel around the world" theme. We had not seen camels before and although they were interesting to look at, and the ladies on them had pretty outfits on, the ladies just kind of struck different poses as the camels went around in circles for a little too long. We started to lose interest after a while.
Next, onto MT EVEREST and the brief clown act. It was multiple clowns and quite honestly I miss having just one clown do a cute theme throughout the circus and come out with his little suitcase of tricks or something that entertained us in between setting up for the next act.
The Tight rope was exciting and amazing as was the human canon.
The skiing tap dancers act (clowns) was short and sweet to fill a few minutes.
They Missed the Trapeze
Clowns with big balls were just ok.
A big Mongolian man lifted 551 lbs with his teeth, and we wondered if it was real.
The Elephants were brief but entertaining and adorable.
The Mermaids had beautiful costumes but failed to entertain us with the Middle ball with white dancers. Pretty but not impressive at all.
The Spinning wheel is always thrilling and Spectacular.
The Ring of tigers was impressive with 16 beautiful white tigers and a Latin trainer. One hopped like a bunny.
Poodle show... Boring
Bike Riders and Acrobats Thrill the Boys
Bouncing acrobats and cyclists at the end were new and exciting! Our two 10-yr-olds said that was their favorite.Overall, we'd give it an 8 and return to see Ringling Circus again!
****
JUST IN TIME TO SEE THE ELEPHANTS ONE LAST TIME
I e-mailed Lisa about the elephants retiring this year. Her reply:
"We learned that they are going to the farm in 2 weeks! We are SO GLAD we got to see them one more time. They are SO the circus for Brian and I. Thanks for raising us to love the big top!!!"
And thank you, Lisa, for sharing your feedback I'm glad you had a good time, especially given recent depressing big setbacks on the American circus scene. The elephants are gone from Ringling, and the entire Cole Bros. Circus is gone. A double bummer!
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