Royal Canadian International Circus: May 2022

“Popcorn! Get your popcorn!” hollered the vendor. Excited chatter rose above the music’s thump as people streamed through the doors. We could smell the hot dogs and doughnuts, tantalizing us. The sights and sounds under the big top quickly ushered us into the exceptional world of the circus.

The entertainment industry has been hit hard over the pandemic and families are starved for entertainment, but there is hope on the horizon! The Royal Canadian International Circus is back in Calgary, with all the lights, music, and circus thrills we’ve been waiting for.

Royal Canadian International Circus (Family Fun Calgary)

Ringmaster: Joseph Dominik Bauer of Switzerland Photo: Charity Quick

Royal Canadian International Circus (Family Fun Calgary)

Claudia Alvarado Bauer from Mexico Photo: Charity Quick

The Royal Canadian International Circus is a traditional travelling circus that brings exceptional acts to cities across Canada. They do not use exotic animals in the show and the performers come from all over the world. Some families have been circus performers for generations! The ringmaster, Joseph Dominik Bauer, born to Swiss parents, is a 9th generation circus performer who made his own debut in the circus at age three in Osaka, Japan. (I tried to remind myself that he was a pro, but I still couldn’t watch his performance on the Wheel of Destiny.)

The show opened with Claudio Alvarado, the trapeze artist from Mexico, and it was the perfect, sparkling way to begin. Nathan Valencia made me a little nervous with his towering chair balancing and we enjoyed Gimmi Fornaciari, with feats of strength and balance while singing! The Valencia Gauchos from Argentina knew how to work the crowd with lightning fast hands and we loved the Chicago Boyz Acrobatic Team from America’s Got Talent.

Royal Canadian International Circus (Family Fun Calgary)

Chicago Boyz Acrobatic Team from America’s Got Talent — we loved them! Photo: Charity Quick

Royal Canadian International Circus (Family Fun Calgary)

The Valencia Gauchos – Argentina’s Cowboys? Photo: Charity Quick

The final act was the ringmaster, Joseph Dominik Bauer on his Wheel of Destiny. I really couldn’t watch his talented, yet terrifying, antics. It was a cocky, daring number with running and jumping on the outside of a towering, spinning metal wheel. Of course, it wasn’t enough just to run or jump; Bauer skipped rope, juggled flaming torches, and traversed the wheel blindfolded to the accompanying roar of the crowd. Somehow he made it back to the ground to perform another circus show. The performers all exemplified strength, flexibility, and complete control over every muscle and every movement. It was inspiring and amazing to watch.

Royal Canadian International Circus (Family Fun Calgary)

Ringmaster, Joseph Dominik Bauer on the Wheel of Death . . . I mean Destiny Photo: Charity Quick

Royal Canadian International Circus (Family Fun Calgary)

Watching Joseph the Daredevil Photo: Charity Quick

Beyond the excellent circus acts, the circus offers a complete experience. Pony rides and face painting are available to purchase before the show and during intermission. Classic circus snacks abound, with popcorn, doughnuts, snow cones, and cotton candy tempting the kids. And the adults.

The cacophony of sounds and smells, the flashing lights, and the intimate nature of spectators joined under the big top take you to another world, if only for an evening. And through all the commotion, the performers continued with the incredible, dedicated concentration that helped develop their impressive acts.

Royal Canadian International Circus (Family Fun Calgary)

The 50-foot Wheel of Destiny — Scary! Photo: Charity Quick

The Royal Canadian Circus is a breathtaking show for family entertainment, straight from the circus family to you. Its fast-moving pace and brilliant acts under the big top keep you on the edge of your seat. The show must go on — and we were certainly glad to be there to see it!

The Circus performs until June 5, 2022, by Cross Iron Mills. There is free parking and be sure to get your 2-for-1 tickets to take the family and be amazed together!

BOGO Discount Code:

Want to see the circus AND save some money? Use the code familyfuncalgary and Family Fun Calgary readers can get tickets for the price of one.  Get tickets here. [Update: Tickets are sold out online, but there are still tickets available onsite at the Box Office. Be sure to mention the promo code ‘familyfuncalgary’ at the Box Office.]

Royal Canadian International Circus 2022!:

When: May 27 – June 5, 2022
Time: Times vary by date. Check the website for the complete schedule.
Where: CrossIron Mills
Address: 261055 CrossIron Blvd NE, Calgary, AB
Website: www.royalcanadiancircus.ca
Facebook: www.facebook.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com