The Greatest Show on Earth: A Look at the Ringling Brothers Circus

For over 100 years, the Ringling Brothers circus has dazzled and entertained audiences around the world. Known as "The Greatest Show on Earth," this circus is one of the largest and most well-known in the world. Keep reading to learn more about what makes the Ringling Brothers circus so special.

The show lasted approximately two hours and featured one short intermission after an hour. The action is NON-STOP. The show is incredibly well choreographed. So well in fact, that even the tech crew had assigned movements and speeds and timing to ensure the set pieces were rotated in an out safely and inconspicuously. As soon as one performance ends, those performers shift their focus to the next scene, the lights kick on across the stage, and the lights turn off on the last performance. It was crazy how quickly they transitioned from scene to scene.

The Ringling Brothers circus features a wide variety of incredible acts including clowns, acrobats, trapeze artists, tightrope walkers, feats of strength and balance, and, much to our surprise, there is still ONE animal at the circus. If you didn’t know, in the past, and even this authors childhood, the circus featured live animal performances! For ethical reasons, they’ve moved away from captive animals as part of the show. I won’t say more to make sure I don’t spoil the surprise - but yes, Ringling Bros Circus still has a single animal in their show. Clowns provide comedic relief between acts as they interact with the audience and even try some of the crowd pleasing acts they came before them; with much poorer outcomes. Electrifying acrobatic acts impress audiences with aerial flips, human springboards, and more - The flying trapeze show will leave you on the edge of your seat! Check out the segment on the TikTok video below!

Some of the most jaw-dropping circus acts involve incredible displays of balance and strength. The Asian Troupe of performers had some incredible shows! From springboarding 35 feet in the air and landing on tiny seat! They were absolutely incredible, and I think the family’s unanimous vote for favorite! Well. . . Except Celt Jr, his favorite was THE CLOWNS! Something about slapstick comedy just hits different for a 10 year old boy.

In addition to the performances, the Ringling Brothers circus is known for its ornate costumes, music, and sense of wonder. Established in 1884, it helped define the modern circus. The Ringling Brothers merged with the Barnum & Bailey circus in 1919. The Big Top Tent may be gone, but the Ringling Brothers circus remains an iconic part of American entertainment history and is still showboating it’s way into the modern era - and with aplomb and style!

This one was Kilted Team approved and fun for all ages!

@kiltedteam We saw the @Ringling Circus at the @Kia Center! Family friendly and fun, follow for more great topics in Central Florida #centralfloridarealestate #centralfloridathingstodo #familyfriendly #seminolecounty #kilttok ♬ THE AMAZING DIGITAL CIRCUS THEME - REMIX - Keiron Raven & Kids Music Now & Trap Music Now