The crowd gasps as the trapeze artist lets go of the bar and cheers when the tightrope walker safely makes it across the high wire. The smell of popcorn fills the air and the clowns stumble into the ring in their ridiculous costumes.
The circus conjures up all kinds of images and sparks imagination as people joke about running away to the circus. Jugglers, exotic animals, the human cannonball, and the curiosities of the sideshow still draw our wonder, even as the circus has changed, for the ethically better, over the years. Most of our modern images of a circus date back to P. T. Barnum and the late 19th century. From February 2 to June 9, 2019, you can discover the circus when you explore the newest exhibit at TELUS Spark. Circus – Science under the Big Top is an interactive and engaging journey into another world.
The circus exhibit at TELUS Spark has a little bit of everything. Learn about the animals traditionally used in a circus or why contortionists bend the way they do. Peek through the tent flaps for jokes that will delight your kids or try your hand at shooting a “cannonball.” The kids will also love getting under the big top and trying on the costumes that will transport them to a life on the road. They can be anyone from the ringmaster, to the strongest man, to the tiger. Take a moment to pause and familiarize yourself with Parlari, the language of the circus. You can even purchase a frozen yogurt treat and watch it being made or engage in your own “packanatomicalization.”
Engaging in a little packanatomicalization
We explored the circus one day and the most exciting moments for my kids were definitely testing out the tightrope and the high-wire trapeze. Be prepared for a long wait, as safety precautions for each child do take some time, but the thrill of executing a mid-air flip is pretty exhilarating for the kids! Adults can take a turn, too.
TELUS Spark is always one of our favourite places and the circus exhibit offers another draw to Calgary’s science centre. We’ll be heading back soon to visit again. The rush of adrenaline and applause while on the high wire was apparently addicting. Make a plan to run away to TELUS Spark before June to catch this amusing and playful exhibit!
Peeking through the tent to discover the wonders of the circus.
TELUS Spark Circus Exhibit:
When: February 2 to June 9, 2019
Where: TELUS Spark
Address: 220 St Georges Drive NE, Calgary, AB
Phone: 403-817-6800
Website: www.sparkscience.ca
