New theme, but same thrills as 'Greatest Show' hits Tampa
The 142nd edition of the "The Greatest Show on Earth" includes dancers and acrobats, aerialists and daredevil motorcyclists that have delighted audiences for decades.
By CLOE CABRERA | The Tampa Tribune
Published: January 04, 2012
Updated: January 04, 2012 - 10:10 AM
When audiences gasp at the eight motorcyclists ****zing around in a blur of motion inside a 16-foot wide sphere called the "Globe of Steel," Ariel Torres wants them to know one thing: That's the reaction he and his family strive for.
"We've been doing this a very long time," says Torres, 40, who leads the Torres family of motorcyclists. "Yes, it's dangerous when you have so many motorcycles; there is no room for mistakes. But we don't think about that. We're concentrating so we can do a good job and entertain the audience."
The Torres family is among some 142 performers thrilling spectators during the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus, in town through Sunday at the Tampa Bay Times Forum.
This year, the "The Greatest Show on Earth" unveils a new experience under the big top with a theme called "Dragons," which showcases the Chinese Year of the Dragon. In Chinese astrology, 2012 is the year of the dragon.
The circus' 142nd edition, lead by spirited ringmaster Johnathan Lee Iverson, features Shaolin Kung Fu warriors from China, Cossack riders, Asian elephants, lions and tigers, alongside dancers and acrobats, aerialists and clowns, which have delighted audiences for decades.
Melinda Hartline, spokesperson for the circus, says this year's show incorporates lots of dragon imagery and mystic dragon folklore. And audiences may even get a peak at one of the fire-breathing mystical creatures.
"One of the characters in the circus, Paulo, is one of the only people that can seize the dragon," says Hartline. "At the finale of the show, we see our mystical dragon."
The Torres' will add a new first to their show this year: the Tampa audience will see eight motorcycles in the globe, and for the first time a woman will join them. Carmen Torres is the lone female in the group.
The family began with six motorcyclists inside the cage. Now, eight family members will zig-zag inside the sphere at speeds up to 65 miles an hour.
"You really have to see it," adds Torres, speaking in Spanish. "All of the acts are spectacular and different than anything you've ever seen before. I love the (circus) atmosphere and the energy we get from the audience."
It's that electrifying atmosphere that makes the big top so popular with audiences, says Hartline.
"It's always something new and different," she says. "The Feld family always brings new talent from around the world that hasn't been seen anywhere. That's why it's the greatest show on earth."
Last month, the U.S. Department of Agriculture fined Feld Entertainment, the parent company of Ringling Bros., $270,000 for alleged mistreatment of animals, the largest in circus history.
Hartline wouldn't talk about the fine, but did say, "Our animals receive the finest care. They are healthy and robust, and the public can see that for themselves. That's why we enjoy an increase in attendance each year all over the market."
Ninety minutes before show time, circus-goers can attend a pre-show where they can go onto the arena floor and see the animals up close, meet the stars of "Dragon," take photos, ask questions and get autographs from the performers.
The 142nd annual Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus
Where: Tampa Bay Times Forum, 401 Channelside Drive, Tampa
Tickets: $16 to $85; 1-800-745-3000 or
www.ringling.com or by calling
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"American audiences have never seen before" 
