Ringling Brother’s Barnum & Bailey Circus in Southern California

While in California, my Mom had the brilliant idea to take Alina to Ringling Brothers Barnum & Bailey Circus. The circus is much different than from when I was a kid; its actually held indoors now! In Southern Cali, the circus was held at The Staples Center.

Abuela is so funny… she insists on nothing but the best for her Alina. So she bought front row tickets. Literally, the very first row. But I have to say, Abuela was right. Alina was extremely captivated and entertained for the entire two hour event. Not once did she complain or lose focus on whatever was going on in the center ring. I think the experience may not have been as memorable for my two and half year old if we were sitting further back, or in box seats. So my tip would be, if enjoying the circus with a toddler, closer is better. That in-your-face experience will totally mesmerize them!

The theme of the circus coincided with the Chinese zodiac calendar and celebrated the mystical dragon. The room filled with fire and clowns and animals. Not to forget those amazing acrobats, trapeze acts, tightrope walkers and other stunt people. I was constantly amazed at how the human body could be squished and bent and swung around like that! The dancers and music was also very engaging. Alina stood the entire time, mostly mimicking the dance moves of whoever was in front of us. But then again, my little girl is very in tune with her artistic side and loves a fast beat. I can’t say it enough: Alina loved the circus!

As a special treat, the Circus Ringmaster walked the front row, shaking hands and taking pictures with the kids. How cool is that?! You really get a sense of the crafstmanship behind the costumes from these pictures. Our Ringmaster was very sweet with Alina, even asking to see the picture and telling her how cute she was. Spoiled girl, I tell you.

Overall, we had a great time at the circus.

A final note, however: while walking back to our car, there were plenty of circus protesters. A friend of mine warned me {although I didn’t really believe her at the time}, and I was able to avoid walking through the picket line and subjecting Alina to their graphic images and load chants. She’s only two, and I’m not about subjecting her to anyone’s protests, no matter how valid.

Ringling Brothers showed a presentation before the show about their ongoing efforts in animal rights and, specifically, their work in elephant conservation. I sincerely hope the image they portray of their organization is accurate. I hope Ringling Brothers, and any other organization of this kind, take proper measures to care for and protect their animals.