Discover the new animal-free Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus in Los Angeles

The Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus has made a triumphant return to Los Angeles, marking its first performance in the city since 2016. This revival is particularly significant as it represents a new era for the iconic circus, which has undergone substantial changes since its last tour. The circus, which had ended its 147-year run in 2017 due to declining ticket sales and the cessation of animal acts, has now reimagined itself to fit the modern age, promising a dynamic, multi-platform entertainment experience.

A New Era Without Animals

For the first time in its century-and-a-half history, the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus is performing without animals. This historic shift underscores a broader national embrace of the principle that animals should not suffer for entertainment. The decision to eliminate animal acts came after years of protests from animal rights organizations and the introduction of laws in cities like Los Angeles banning the use of “bullhooks” on elephants. The circus’s parent company, Feld Entertainment, announced the return of the circus in May 2022, promising a show that would connect families in fun and engaging ways without the use of animals.

The absence of animals has led to a significant transformation in the circus’s format. Instead of a traditional ringmaster, the show now features three “show guides”—Aria (Lauren Irving), Stix (Alex Stickels), and Nick Nack (Alejandro Licea Pello)—who guide audiences through an interactive, music-filled journey with modern twists on classic circus acts. These acts include “never before seen stunts” such as the Triangular Highwire, the Double Wheel of Destiny, and the Criss-Cross Trapeze.

Modern Twists on Classic Acts

The revitalized show aims to astonish both existing fans and new audiences with its fast-paced, TikTok-inspired format. The two-hour performance includes 75 performers from 18 nations, showcasing aerial acrobatics, world dance, BMX riders, music, comedy, and more. The show features three stages and a rotating turntable with screens to enhance the performances, with lighting shifts every 3.5 seconds to keep the audience engaged.

One of the highlights is the Triangular Highwire act, where three performers walk on a wire no thicker than a dime, 40 feet in the air. Another thrilling act is the Double Wheel of Destiny, where performers leap and somersault on top of two spinning wheels, 30 feet in the air. The Flying Caceres family troupe of trapeze artists, who first performed at the circus in 1982, return with a new trick, completing two full flips while flying from one bar to the next.

Guinness World Record-setting unicyclist Wesley Williams, known as the “One Wheel Wonder,” rides unicycles of various heights, including one over 34 feet high. The show also features a modern take on clowning, with the Equivokee Trio delivering moments of laughter through a blend of juggling, acrobatics, dancing, and balancing skills. The 360-degree stage transforms into a skate park, where BMX bikes, trail bikes, and extreme unicycles soar through the air on double-sided ramps and trampolines.

The Historical Context and Cultural Impact

The Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus has a storied history dating back to 1871. Founded by the Ringling brothers, P.T. Barnum, and James Anthony Bailey, the circus quickly became known as “The Greatest Show on Earth.” Over the years, it has undergone numerous transformations, adapting to changing cultural and societal norms. The decision to remove animals from the show is emblematic of a larger trend towards more humane and ethical entertainment practices.

This shift is not unique to the circus industry. Other industries built on animal cruelty and exploitation have also been redefining themselves. For example, the American commercial whaling industry has been replaced by whale-watching tours, and greyhound racing has been banned in 42 states. The cub-petting industry, which sells photo ops with juvenile big cats, has suffered a major blow thanks to the Netflix show “Tiger King” and the Big Cat Public Safety Act passed by Congress.

The return of the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus without animals serves as an inspiration for other circuses and entertainment businesses to champion a more humane and ethical future. This moment offers an opportunity to embrace a vision of compassion towards animals, not just under the big top, but across every facet of society.

Our Advice on the City

Los Angeles, with its rich cultural tapestry and vibrant entertainment scene, provides the perfect backdrop for the return of the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus. For occasional travelers, we recommend taking a stroll through the historic streets of Downtown LA, where you can find hidden gems like the LA Circus prop house in Riverside. This unique location offers a fascinating glimpse into the world of circus props and memorabilia, transporting visitors across time and space.

For expert travelers, consider exploring the lesser-known attractions of Los Angeles, such as the Los Angeles Railroad Heritage Foundation, which showcases the overlap between circuses and trains. This foundation includes circus train miniature models in its historical displays, providing a deeper understanding of the logistical marvels that made traveling circuses possible.

In conclusion, the return of the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus to Los Angeles is a significant event that reflects broader societal changes towards more ethical entertainment practices. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, the city offers a wealth of experiences that celebrate both its rich history and its forward-looking spirit. So, take a moment to reflect on the magic of the circus and the importance of compassionate entertainment, and let Los Angeles surprise and inspire you.