Big Apple Sunday

Tonight, my husband and I went to the second-to-last day of the Big Apple Circus here in Stamford. We really didn't know what to expect, but we had a great time. You should check it out before it's gone. Remaining shows are only Sunday, July 25th at 12:30pm and 4:30pm.

It was absolutely sweltering waiting to get inside, but once we got under the big top, it was easy, breezy and fun. Highlights of the greatest show on our turf include:

- A juggler by the name of Picaso Jr. using Ping Pong paddles and even his mouth to practice his trade.

- The lady on the ribbon (aka, the "aerielist") gorgeously defying death by wrapping fabric around her body above the crowd, releasing her grip and delicately twirling to safety.

- A little girl's dream equestrian performance, featuring horses galloping out of the mist led by a princess look-alike in a flowing gown.

- A giant contraption made up of two floating metal circles with performers walking, jumping and flipping in and around them.

- Crazy talented acrobats in crazy sparkly outfits defying gravity from above (on the trapeze) and below (on the trampoline).

- Tiny men made out of muscle contorted into narrow metal containers and miraculously balanced against each others' bodies in mid-air.

- Shelter puppies made into canine starlets.

Bello the famous and heavily hair producted clown was impressive as well. It wasn't all perfection, of course. We didn't have the popcorn, but we heard depressing and dentist-visit inspiring reviews. Despite the ridiculous heat while waiting to get inside the venue, the $3 bottled water was not kept cold. I found Grandma the Clown a little creepy, but these little setbacks and a small dose of creepitude was a pretty reasonable price to pay for an otherwise captivating two hours under the tent.

(photo from lloydcrew, flickr.com)