Circus People

Some children want to grow up and become graceful ballerinas, or perhaps fight crime on the dangerous streets like their daddies did. Others want to put on a big, puffy, white marshmallow suit with an oversized helmet and float away into space. Then there are the rare ones who want to join the circus and become best friends with the bearded lady and crack jokes in between shows with the elephant trainer. These are the type of kids I can relate to, considering I was one once. Now, I get to revisit my childhood dreams as the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus returns to town, featuring everything from daring equestrian stunts to the Flying Caceres showing off their latest moves in the air on the double-decker trapeze. Also, if you arrive one hour before the show, you can train for free with the athletic performers while they get CircusFit. The Greatest Show on Earth runs Wednesday through August 9 at the American Airlines Center and August 12 through 16 at the Fort Worth Convention Center. For showtimes and ticket prices, visit ringling.com or ticketmaster.com.

July 29-Aug. 2; Aug. 4-9, 2009