It is not very common to see people flying inside Breslin Center. Spectators of all ages were kept in awe last weekend by the flying acrobats, spinning aerialists and trapeze artists making up the 330-year-old Royal Hanneford Circus.
The circus performers became heroes in the eyes of children such as 7-year-old Brennen Vaughn, who watched the his first circus Saturday morning.
"How do they do that?" Vaughn kept asking. "I want to be in the circus."
Four-year-old Caleb Napper also shared the same dream as Vaughn. But he set a more specific goal - to be placed in the cannon that could be shot out.
An estimated 20,000 people watched all five shows which ran Friday, Saturday and Sunday as the three-ring circus made its 23rd appearance in East Lansing.
The highlight was Mark Karoly, billed as the "Funniest Man on Horseback." The 25-year bareback rider, who is also a sixth-generation performer, danced and leaped on the barebacks of galloping horses with a good slice of comic relief.
The five-person teeterboard titans act of the Bilea Troupe, making their first appearance in the United States, astounded audiences with a double-backward somersault to a "five-man high." The act was followed by trapeze artist Angela twisting and swaying like a dangling cat without the benefit of a net.
New to the Royal Hanneford lineup this year is the contortionist Yagaansetseg Duo. Audiences appreciated and applauded the two Mongolian girls for their unbelievable control and discipline of the human body. Of course everyone's favorite came to the zany clowns, getting audiences to yell their lungs out, with their obligatory bright baggy clothes.
Russian performers Vladimir Smirnov and his wife Olga have been working together on a magic act of costume quick change for 12 years. The talented duo, who are both second-generation of circus performers, met and married in the circus. Vladimir Smirnov said he wouldn't be surprised if his 5-year-old daughter also finds her career in the circus.
"Our home is on the trailer," he said, adding they have traveled all over the world.
The Royal Hanneford Circus, which originated in 1690 in England, has been known for its horsemanship, showmanship and stellar circus presentations. The shows are proven to be a great value-priced family event for its successful interaction with the kids.
Struppi Hanneford, the owner of the circus and the seventh generation of the Hanneford family, said the circus business is getting better in the sluggish economy.
"It is always a pleasure to come back - we are here to please people," the former trapeze aerialist, wild animal trainer and high-wire walker said.
Ed Purchis, a committee member of Caravan Circus, said the circus provides "good, clean fun" for everyone in a time when it is well needed.
"Kids today always work on the computer," he said. "They don't interact with people."
