Tuesday, July 24, 2007

There was a circus in the botanical garden


Ever since Brian was sent to Circus Smirkus on last year's Fetch with Ruff Ruffman I have wanted to go see this. It's essentially a summer camp of older high school kids who learn circus skills and perform under a big tent. No animals. Just lots of acrobatics, clowning, juggling and general merriment.

My favorite was these huge pieces of fabric. The kids (really the oldest looked 17) climbed up, hung upside down and at one point, intricately wrapped themselves then dropped quickly to the ground. They had somehow created knots to stop their falls.

If I was one of their mothers, I would've had a heart attack on the spot. Not sure I would let my kids run off to join the circus.

And who did I inflict the joys of a hot circus tent on a Saturday afternoon? My college friend of nearly 20 years (we co-hosted a 3am-6am Friday morning radio show our senior year generally after a night of dancing). She is also one of my son's godmother and truly game for anything.

The other amazing part of the day was discovering the location of the circus was a botanical garden. I had never heard of the place and we were all pleasantly surprised at the gardens, old buildings and creative play spaces.

It was an extra bonus to a lovely day.

9 comments:

Real Life Drama Queen said...

I have a cousin who went to clown school. He was so into it at the time. He still loves to be a clown, just not as his profession of choice. I guess it all leads to us, letting them try out their dreams. I probably would have had heart failure, but would have been so proud of their accomplishments. You always seem to have an interesting day.

CableGirl said...

There's a camp you can go to as a kid to run away and join the circus??? Wow, I wish I had known about this 20 years ago!

Jenn in Holland said...

I am so wanting to run away and join that circus! What a blast. And yes, added bonus that you discovered a botanical garden!

Jen said...

This is pretty amazing! My DS has been in a stage combat club this summer - it's great when they can find outlets like this.

Gunfighter said...

Sounds like big fun!

Jami said...

Oh, wow! I STILL want to run away and join the circus sometimes. (Other times I just want to run away.)

SourGrape said...

That friend of yours sounds like a real looser, kinda like my college room-mate Lauren. Ha-ha!

It is interesting to read about what is going on with you and your family!

soccer mom in denial said...

Oh my oh my! The original Jen!! I have you to thank for Lauren being in my life.

Thanks for the hello. Let me know how I can say hi!

Anonymous said...

I always proclaim after a difficult day that I will run off and join the circus ... Looks like a wonderful day of adventure!