Ringling Circus in Phoenix - Review!

We just got home from the opening performance of the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey presents DRAGONS in Phoenix. The show was amazing!

They will be at the US Airways Center until July 2, 2012 -- so if you don't already have tickets, head over to Ticketmaster to get yourself some!

One of the cool things about this circus is that they have an all-access pre-show that starts an hour before the scheduled performance. During this time, everyone can go down to the arena floor and watch performers do short acts. You also have the chance to get a picture with a performer. Most importantly, you are able to get very close and it's great fun for the kids.

Once the show starts, it is all action and excitement until the lights come up at the end. This year, the show's theme was Dragons and there was plenty of magic and excitement around that. One of the first acts was horses and their trick riders -- especially exciting for Lydia and Nate since they started horse riding lessons this summer. I'm afraid they'll be asking their teacher to teach them some tricks next week!

It's hard to choose a favorite act, but Lydia thought the acrobats hanging in large globes from the ceiling was her favorite. Colin couldn't choose a favorite at all. I always love the trapeze artists, and Bo enjoyed the elephant act.

Read more after the jump!

This picture is of Nate during the performance of the Shaolin Troupe and Kung Fu Kings. They performed acts of amazing strength. At one point, he said "Ok, I'm amazed enough. You really don't have to do anymore!" He got very nervous that one of them would get hurt - especially when they jumped through a hoop covered with knives and on fire, while blind-folded! Even though he was nervous, he declared them his favorite act.

One thing that we love to receive is the program for each show we attend.  Feld Entertainment puts together a picture and information packed program that is very interesting.  Lydia especially enjoys these programs, and I will find her poring over the programs from past shows on a regular basis.  She was waiting for the show to start when I snapped this picture.

We all thoroughly enjoyed the show.  While I mentioned our top favorite acts, that doesn't mean we didn't also enjoy the clowns (always good for a laugh), the ringmaster (wonderful voice & presence), all the wonderful performers and the motorcyclists that rode around in a large metal ball!  There wasn't one boring moment during the show, and there were many "on the edge of your seat" moments as you watched in amazement the performances. 

If you have a chance to see the show, I would highly recommend it.  They will be in Phoenix performing until July 2, 2012.  Tickets can be purchased from Ticketmaster, and there may still be some discounted tickets available. (Click through to this post for discount information

*Disclosure: I am a Feld Family Ambassador, and in exchange for my time and efforts in attending shows and reporting my opinion within this blog, as well as keeping you advised of the latest discount offers, Feld Entertainment has provided me with complimentary tickets to Feld shows and opportunities to attend private Feld pre-Show events. Even though I receive these benefits, I always give an opinion that is 100% mine.*