Hank At Circus Flora
It’s summer in St. Louis, and that means that it’s Circus Time again!
I have blogged about Circus Flora before, here and here.
Yesterday my roommate and I attended a matinee performance of Circus Flora’s 2014 show, The Pawn. This makes the fourth year in a row, and we intend to continue the tradition as long as they keep having shows–hopefully for a very long time.
This has been a rough off-season for Circus Flora. First their featured clown, Nino (Giovanni Zoppé) left the troupe to concentrate on his own family circus. Then just a few weeks ago, the ringmaster David Balding died at the age of 75.
I am very pleased to say that they honored Mr. Balding’s memory with a very fine show, one that he would have been proud of. This year’s production brought a chess game to life, using the talents of acts from all over the world, some familiar, some making their St. Louis debut in this show.
Circus Flora operates in the European tradition of storytelling–the individual acts are all part of a single storyline. As I said, this years show, The Pawn, was based on a chess game with the acrobats and jugglers playing the parts of chess pieces. The St. Louis Arches, in particular, put on two extraordinary acts.
I strongly recommend Circus Flora for everyone in St. Louis, and anyone who can get to St. Louis between now and June 22nd. It is well worth the trip.
mishaburnett 
A few months ago, I read a book that was about a guy who went to a circus school in France. He turned the story into a history of the circus as well. Ever since I read that book, I have wanted to see the circus. Not Ringling, but the circus. I am jealous that you have access to Circus Flora. I would love to see it.
There are a few others left that travel. I know that the Flying Wallendas, for example, spend much of the year touring. If you look, you can probably find a traditional European style circus that will be playing close to you at some time during the year.
I spent some time googling last night. Couldn’t find anything but it’s on my list now.