Amusing acts under the big top

PERFORMING TRICKS

Circus is a fascinating word for many kids. Children always look forward to see a circus show as it wraps in adventurous, funny, entertaining and novel things together. The Great Bombay Circus is back in the City after 38 years to entertain the kids. This being the holiday season, kids are flocking to Palace Grounds along with their parents to watch the show.

The show stretching to two hours and 15 minutes has many performances by Russian, African and Chinese artistes. Other items include foot juggling, hula hoop, limbo dance, fire dance, skipping, pole acrobats, human pyramid, candle balance, American limping board, pocket cycling, cricket playing elephants and obedient dogs which make the spectators sit on the edge of their seats.

The show commences with a parade by 80 artistes along with animals like elephants, camel, dogs and birds. This is followed by a performance by a juggler, who enthrals the gathering by spinning four balls simultaneously. The gymnastic display by young boys and acrobatic performances by female artistes were appreciated by all.

Seethu, a Chinese artiste, balances a wooden plank which is placed on five cylindrical rollers, one on the top of the other forming a vertical pyramid. Another artiste performs acrobatics by hanging on two long pieces of clothes, hung from the ceiling. Another performer balances 51 candles on her mouth, hands and feet.

The kids were happy to watch the elephant play cricket. When the animal hit sixes on all the sides, it elicited a lot of oohs and aahs from the crowd. The dogs walked on two legs, did high jumping and walked the ramp holding a colourful umbrella.

Apart from the bike ride inside the ring, the highlight of the show was pocket cycle ride by Subhash who balances his wife and son on a six-inch bicycle. This unbelievable act had the audience in shock. 

“The show reminded me of my childhood days when I used to go to the circus holding my father’s hand. Today, my daughter enjoyed the show and she was thrilled after seeing the animals perform many tricks,” says Sanjeev.

Aarav, a second standard student, who was accompanied by his parents says that he enjoyed the show fully. “I saw a circus for the first time. I liked all the performances. I couldn’t control my laughter whenever the jokers came on stage,” he says.There are three shows daily at 1 pm, 4 pm and 7 pm respectively. Tickets are priced at Rs 40, Rs 100, Rs 200 and Rs 250.