Sunday Favorites: The Human Circus

Six years ago, we bid farewell to the “Greatest Show on Earth” believing the nearly century-old Ringling Brothers and Barnum Bailey Circus had taken its final bow. But this year it made its comeback, returning with a show that focused on acrobatics and entertainment, instead of animals.

Last weekend, my sister-in-law extended an invitation for me and my sons to experience the circus at Amalie Arena in Tampa, and it was nothing short of spectacular! Though I admittedly missed the presence of circus animals, the reinvented human circus surpassed all expectations, delivering a mesmerizing fusion of acrobatics that showcased jaw-dropping acts from across the globe.

The home of the Tampa Bay Lightning was transformed into a world of awe-inspiring feats, set on three stages with different acts happening consecutively. We were all utterly captivated by the gravity-defying stunts that unfolded before our eyes and left us on the edge of our seats.

My personal favorite was a group called the Troupe Brothers that hailed from Mongolia. This group of both male and female acrobats performed unbelievable feats with see-saws. Using a platform, two men would jump on one end of the teeterboard, sending a female performer flying. Then, another group of men, stacked four high, expertly caught her mid-air after she executed a series of flips. The sheer precision and breathtaking coordination of the Troupe Brothers left the entire audience in a state of collective astonishment.

Another act that stood out was the Navas Troupe, a quartet of men who perform stunts on an apparatus called the Double Wheel of Destiny. This contraption resembles a fair ride, but it’s operated solely on human momentum. These four incredible men showcased an unparalleled display of strength, talent, and flawless coordination as they defied gravity, maneuvering the spinning wheel with astonishing precision.

In all, there were 75 performers from 18 countries. They included high-wire performers 25 feet off the ground, crisscrossing flying trapeze artists, a unicycle rider, singing performances, an airborne drumming procession, BMX trail bikes, and skateboarders.

The contemporary twist on the circus spectacle felt like a refreshing homage to tradition, highlighting how an American legacy could seamlessly evolve into a modern-day format.

Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey Circus can be traced back to the merging two prominent circuses entities in the late 19th century. The Ringling Brothers, founded by the seven Ringling siblings, initially started as a small circus in Wisconsin in 1884, but wintered in Sarasota. On the other side was the renowned P.T. Barnum's "Greatest Show on Earth," which gained fame for its extravagant spectacles, oddities, and extraordinary performances.

The historic union occurred in 1919 when the Ringling Brothers acquired the Barnum & Bailey Circus, creating a colossal entertainment powerhouse. For almost a century, the circus enthralled audiences worldwide with its iconic three-ring setup, showcasing a mesmerizing array of acts, including acrobats, clowns, and exotic animals.

But what remained hidden from the public eye was the way the animals were treated behind the scenes. An investigation by the Humane Society exposed distressing aspects of animal life in show business, including brutal training sessions and cramped living conditions. Ringling Bros. identified a need for improved standards, as circus animals were frequently transported in small spaces, enduring extreme weather, and had insufficient provisions during year-round travels.

Despite facing challenges and evolving public sentiments toward animal performances, the Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus remained an enduring symbol of American entertainment until what looked like its final performance in 2017, and an end of an era in circus history.

But today, the re-imagined Ringling Bros. is leading the way as an example for other circuses, traveling shows and entertainment companies to champion a more humane and ethical future. There is no better time in history to embrace a vision of compassion toward animals than now, not just under the big top but across our entire society.