Do you have magical memories of going to the circus as a child? It was an annual tradition for our family while growing up and I’m so fortunate to carry the torch and attend the circus with my kids every year.
That’s why I’m excited that the Big Apple Circus is back at Lincoln Center in New York City for its 40th anniversary! Here’s five reasons to visit the Big Apple Circus with your family before it disappears on Jan. 7:
1. You’re incredibly close to the action
The cozy, intimate ringside seats are immersed in the action so my children could carefully observe all the sweat, smiles and fear showing on the performers’ faces. Unlike large entertainment stadiums, the Big Apple Circus tent only has about 15 rows of seats so no seat is more than 50 feet from the ring. A true “being there” experience.
2. The clown vignettes are hilarious
In past circus performances, the clown acts seemed like long-winded, filler during set-up for the next big act. Not the case this year. Grandma the Clown was full of whimsical surprises during each encounter and had our family in absolute hysterics during the “Coney Island” water vignette. “That was incredible,” chanted my 9-year-old son as he was giving the clowns a standing ovation. Potty humor, non-verbal antics, and just the right dose of integrating audience volunteers left us craving more.
3. Nik Wallenda and the Fabulous Wallendas deliver
We come to the Big Apple Circus for numerous reasons, but this year our family was giddy with excitement to see the legendary “King of the High Wire,” Nik Wallenda and his family. Covered with goosebumps and with our necks craned up in the air, we gawked in disbelief as Nik and the Fabulous Wallendas dazzled, pranced and effortlessly moved across the tightrope. The grand finale mesmerized the entire audience (we’ll keep the daring feat under wraps) and was the highlight for our family at this awesome one ring circus. This single act is worth the price of admission!
4. The flying trapeze soars
There’s something truly breathtaking about watching bodies defy gravity and soar gracefully through the air on the trapeze. The challenging tricks on the flying trapeze are an aerial feat of beauty and risk. The Flying Tunizianis troupe keep you on edge of your seat with twisting flips, tucks, pikes and dives. Prepare to be fascinated by the feature presentation of a quadruple somersault!
5. Overall experience creates lasting memories
Beyond consuming the yummy popcorn, sticky cotton candy, frozen slushies and gooey nachos, the Big Apple Circus knocked it out of the park with creating lasting memories. Marveling at a contortionist shooting a bow and arrow with her FEET and landing a direct hit. Grateful for getting in and out of the big top venue in UNDER two hours while juggling a 2-year-old. Meet-and-greets with our favorite performers like Grandma the Clown and Nik Wallenda was spectacular! The sparkling glint in my daughter’s eyes as she watched the horses perform their tricks hit me right in the feels. Our family has been jabbering on about the Big Apple Circus for days after the performance and that’s just the recipe we need to make plans on going back again next year!
The Big Apple Circus will be at Lincoln Center through Jan. 7, 2018. To purchase tickets and learn more about the award-winning show, visit www.BigAppleCircus.com. (Children under 3 are free when on the lap of a paid adult, one child per lap).
DISCLOSURE: NYC Dads Group received complimentary family passes to attend the Big Apple Circus. The opinions and experiences expressed in this post are authentic and our own.
I’ve always wanted to go to a circus with my family and watch a trapeze show. I agree with you that it is indeed breathtaking to watch bodies soar gracefully through the air. Aside from, this I also want to watch a holiday cirque, especially that Christmas is fast approaching!