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| Disclosure: I was invited to attend a media preview of Built to Amaze. All opinions are my own. |
Last night we had the opportunity to attend the opening night of Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® Presents Built To Amaze! This is the 143rd edition of the Greatest Show on Earth. When my twins turned 5 last month they had a circus themed birthday party, so this experience was extra special for them.
If you arrive 90 minutes before showtime, you can meet the circus animals and learn more about them at the Animal Open House. Then, 60 minutes prior to showtime your family can experience the All-Access Pre-show. This is a wonderful opportunity for kids (of all ages) to get up close and personal with the circus and its performers.
My kids just loved the Pre-show. It was like a mini intimate circus where acts would come out and perform while small crowds gathered round. Plus, it was very interactive. There was a bouncy house, performers giving kids temporary tattoos, and kids being invited to participate in the acts.
As an adult it was just thrilling to be on the floor and be so close to the performers and animals. It was truly a memorable experience - one that my kids enjoyed almost as much as the show. I strongly urge you to try and make the All Access Pre-Show. Did I mention the best part? Both the Animal Open House and the Pre-show are FREE with your ticket.
Finally it was time for the show to start. The show started with a great performance by the Ring Master and other circus performers. They sang a very catchy song, "Build this Circus" which you can hear in this video. I must warn you, the song will get in your head. I was singing it in the car today after dropping my kids off at camp.
The thing that really struck me about Built to Amaze was the talent and daring of the performers. I just love watching people do things that I would never think a human being could do. The show truly gives you an appreciation of the talent and courage that the performers possess.
My daughter's favorite act was the Danguir Troupe tightrope walkers. She was enthralled with their feats as they jumped rope, rode a bike and stood on each other's shoulders all while crossing the tightrope.
We marveled at the skill and agility of the King Charles Troupe. Imagine the Harlem Globetrotters on unicycles. Yup, unicycles. I think it's pretty impressive just to be able to ride a unicycle. But to ride a unicycle while playing a game of basketball that has been intricately choreographed, well, that is something else entirely.
The astounding female human cannonball. This woman is fearless! My kids counted down the seconds until she was shot of the cannon and could not believe how far she traveled.
I am a sucker for gymnasts on a trampoline, so my favorite act of the night was the Trampoline Tower Tumblers. Watching them bounce off the trampoline and walk up the tower was just breathtaking. Their whole act was so fast paced that I can't imagine the hours of practice that went into it.
These were some of our favorite moments from Built to Amaze. The show is great place to make memories with your family while taking in acrobats, aerialists, clowns, elephants, tigers, tightrope walkers and much more!
Built to Amaze is in the Bay Area from August 15 – September 2 at the following venues:
Venue: Oracle Arena in Oakland
Dates: August 15-19, 2013
Schedule:
Thurs, August 15 7:30pm
Fri, August 16 7:30pm
Sat, August 17 11:30a, 3:30p, 7:30p
Sun, August 18 1pm, 5pm
Mon, August 19 7:30pm
Venue: SAP Center in San Jose
Dates: August 21-26, 2013
Schedule:
Wed, August 21 7:30pm
Thurs, August 22 7:30pm
Fri, August 23 7:30pm
Sat, August 24 11am, 3pm, 7pm
Sun, August 25 1pm, 5pm
Mon, August 26 7:30pm
Venue: Cow Palace in Daly City
Dates: August 29 – September 2, 2013
Schedule:
Thurs, August 29 7:30pm*
Fri, August 30 7:30pm
Sat, August 31 11:30am, 3:30pm, 7:30pm
Sun, September 1 1pm, 5pm
Mon, September 2 11:30am, 3:30pm (Labor Day)
I have a special offer for Bay area readers of Mess For Less!
SPECIAL OFFER - AVAILABLE NOW!
WEEKDAY SHOWS – Purchase a 4-pack of tickets for only $44
(Not valid for FR/ VIP seating. Only valid on shows Wednesday thru Friday morning)
Redemption Code: MOM
WEEKEND SHOWS – $5 off tickets to all performances
(Not valid for FR/ VIP seating)
Redemption Code: MOM5
Look for the Bay Area shows of Built To Amaze! at www.ticketmaster.com and enter redemption code when purchasing your tickets!
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