Jul 12, 2024 - News

A reimagined circus returns to San Antonio this weekend

An aerial acrobat in a colorful suit does the splits in the air. — An acrobat with the Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus performs in Boston this spring. Photo: Matthew J. Lee/The Boston Globe via Getty Images

The circus is in town this weekend with a new modern format — sans animals.

Why it matters: The Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus returned to the stage last year, six years after closing in 2017. Declining ticket sales and costly legal battles prompted the circus to sideline its elephants in 2016.

Catch up quick: In 1872, P.T. Barnum put his show on the railroad, creating a quick-moving, giant circus that eventually required over 100 railcars when Ringling Bros. merged with Barnum & Bailey in 1919.

The circus stepped out from under the big top in 1956, opting instead to perform in arenas as the growth of American cities made it too difficult to find empty spaces large enough for the show.

Zoom in: The latest reimagination comprises 75 performers from 18 countries, and focuses on acrobatics, spectacular stunts and high-stakes tricks.

There will be six shows at the Alamodome Friday through Sunday.
Tickets start at $20.

Fun fact: Traveling circus performers on Wednesday met with students at Cirque Aria in Leon Valley, according to a news release.

The aerial arts studio offers after-school and weekend classes, workshops and open studio time.

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A reimagined circus returns to San Antonio this weekend

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