Are You Ready for the Big Apple Circus?

First things first, if you're interested in saving up to $15 off each ticket to the Big Apple Circus Dance On! show in Boston, here's how:

• Online: http://bigapplecircus.org/bostonpop11.aspx and submit the code POP11 in the Promotional Codes box in the lower left of the page.
• By Phone: Call 888-541-3750 and mention code POP11
• In Person: At the Big Top Box Office Tues-Fri 10am-8pm; Sat-Mon 10am-6pm

We were all excited to see the circus this year, especially after watching many episodes of Circus featuring the non-profit Big Apple Circus on PBS.  From the documentary, we witnessed the huge amount of work it takes to put together a show and the trials of life on the road.  Once in the ring however, it is all effortless and magic.

Before the start, we settled in with some cotton candy. The circus big top is really a tent that they put up by hand. No seat is more than 50 feet from ringside, which means great views all around (except for the clueless people that let their kids STAND on their laps in front of me - see the very last photo).



And then we sat back and took in all the amazing acts.  This Kenyan troupe hopped up this pole effortlessly.



Dova's favorite act was the Mongolian acrobats. They were incredibly easy to photograph since they held each of their positions beautifully. Adam could not believe how incredibly flexible and strong they were.







There wasn't a flying trapeze act, but there was a high flying rope swinger who looked like she was thoroughly enjoying herself.



After intermission, the animals came out.  Since the last few circuses that we've seen have been produced by Cirque du Soleil, I was actually looking forward to seeing an animal act.  And unlike Cirque du Soleil, still photography without flash is perfectly allowed at the Big Apple Circus (Yay!).  My favorite animals were the majestic miniature white horses flying around the ring.



Even the clowns were multi-talented, here's one who juggled cups.



There was plenty of audience interaction as well, one lucky girl got to fly around the ring with Grandma.



This acrobat was mesmerizing as well. I'll call this one "head-turning" because he actually spun his whole body on this platform by making twisting motions with his head.



As if spinning lassos wasn't hard enough, try doing while standing three people tall.



The circus is backed by a live band and a singer/emcee. Their timing was right on, especially for the clown acts.

Hooray for the circus!

Disclaimer: The Big Apple Circus graciously provided tickets for my family for this review.