Before the days of neon flashing $10 laser lights and plastic MADE IN CHINA wonderwands glowing in the masses of crowds gathered in the anonymous darkness of gargantuan arenas, once upon a time there were not three ring circuses but big tops with one fantastic ring of fantasy. Well, they still exist. Circus Flora performed at Tom Nevers Field while we were on Nantucket. The whole event was underwritten by three companies and all profits went to the Atheneum, the storied and quaint library in town. Grease paint, sawdust, sweat, lights and storytelling combined to thrill us from our very-real-very-close-ringside seats. Popcorn spilling under our feet, spellbound, we watched tightrope walkers who do a four person two-tiered stunt with no nets, acrobats, goats, horses, ponies, a flying trapeze troupe and an unforgetable clown named Nino accompanied by live music.
We left enthralled (well, Al and Ev left at intermission less than enthralled -- one needing a nap and the other ensnared by work) with an ominous storm looming overhead. I'd called ahead for a taxi, and offered to share the van that arrived with whomever called for them next. Joined by a young women who said goodbye to another young lady still in costume from the show, we rolled down the gravel road in the crush of slow traffic. So I started to ask her questions about how she knew the performer.
"She's my sister. I missed her show when they were in St. Louis where our parents live, so I came to Nantucket to catch her since this is the closest she'll come to where I live in Manhattan."
Wow. Her sister was smitten with the circus from an early age. With no formal training, she basically begged her way into the company by mucking stalls and training with the trapeze group, who are based in Florida. Throughout the conversation I found myself dumbfounded by their lives. For instance, she said the tightrope walkers are apparently a family, and they used to do a show with four tiers, but suffered a fatal fall and lost two family members.
The whole day felt as if we were living in a time warp. Except for the glaring invasion of modern technology in the form of a Blackberry.
6 comments:
Sounds amazing, esp after reading Water for Elephants.
Yes, it did make me think of that book, too.
I knew before looking at the link that it must be the Wallendas. I remember the accident.
I've read about the Wallendas. Amazing story.
Sounds like a great adventure for P&G!
Awww - I LOVE their outfits! Super cute. Looks like a fun time!
How did you ever choose the outfits to fit the era of the event...Man, you are good Steph! Loved the pix, the writings and that you share your cuties with all of us. I just love them and your adventures!
Love, Regan
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