Circus Italiano, in Kampen!

We went for a bike ride last Saturday afternoon, in search of a rumored traveling circus that had stopped in Kampen for a three-day stay.  One look at the circus scene and I knew we were done for.  Brant had mentioned the circus to me the night before, but I had sort of closed the idea, thinking it would be a bit of a flop.  I mean, I'm just one who thinks of the circus as this grand pomp and circumstance, with lions, and people shooting out of cannons and elephants flying overhead with magic feathers in their trunks (ok, ok.  So maybe Disney has tainted my view just a bit).  There were animals caged up around the tent, yes, but no elephants or lions or tigers.  Instead, we saw horses, camels, bulls and lamas.  The kids and I had never been to a circus before, and after looking at the glee in Brant's little boy eyes, I jumped on board and bought the tickets.  And I am so glad I did. 

About to enter the Big Top!

We were delightfully surprised when we saw how large the tent was inside.  Granted, it was not packed with people by any means, but that sort of gave it a more unique feel.

Let the show begin - we're ready!

Horses are definitely impressive animals.

The acrobat was amazing.  She had several acts throughout the night, all equally stunning.

Ponies!  All four of us loved the ponies. :)

Blurry, but mesmerized by the cuteness of the ponies.

I snuck this shot during the next act.  It was so sweet to look over and find our "non-cuddly" little girl, snuggled up into her Daddy like this. 

Maddie enjoyed the hula hoop act, because she can hula hoop, too. :)

I told you - camels.  Big animals, and also quite good at walking in a circle.

Oh, and sitting on their knobby knees.  (A few of you might catch my reference - this shot reminds me of the "Claymation Christmas" rendition of "We Three Kings."  Am I right?)

Now we add in the bulls and lamas, and walk in a circle.

Seriously?  If this bull had moved two inches closer, we could have had a stampede of camels on our hands!  That's the way of the circus, I suppose: living life on the edge.

One last time, folks.

Balancing from a dangling hoop, without any harness.  See?  She was quite good.

I was picked from the crowd (after raising my hand to be picked), for an act with other audience members and "the clown." (He performed several acts throughout the night, but was not dressed as a typical clown, as you can see above).

I was pretty excited.  I'm not one to shy away from the spotlight. :)  There were four audience members called out, each given a bell on a plate.  When he pointed to us, we rang our bell.  I was sort of waiting for "the punchline," but there wasn't one.  He just conducted us as we played a beautiful Italian song (too bad I can't remember the tune now, but at the time, I recognized it).

This one's for you, Dad.  Thanks to your amazing musical direction growing up, I nailed my part! ;) I mean, just look how pleased he is with my performance.

And then there was the contortionist.. 

He made such an impression on Maddie, she took off her shoes and began showing us her contortionist skills, right there on the bleacher.

Look at her go!  It's difficult to tell who was the real act!

His torso and right leg are moving through the tennis racket.  You read that correctly.

And another act that made an impression, this time, on both kids.

First Maddie..

And then, Geoffrey.  He kicked off his boots, used Daddy to help balance, and got right to it!

Which brings us to the grand finale - a trapeze act.  Maddie was very impressed with "the girl going so high on the swing."

This is what a traveling circus in a small town is comprised of!  Well done, Circus Italiano!  We were highly pleased! :)