Ringling Brothers is coming back to Austin

I'm quite behind on my blogging but this is a quick post to say that Ringling Brothers Circus is coming back to Austin on August 22-26, 2012 at the Frank Erwin Center.  It's a new show called "Fully Charged" and based on the previews on the website I think we're going to get a power tumbling act :-)  Yay!

As always, I absolutely love taking photos at Ringling Brothers so I cannot wait for this show! 

Quidam was spectacular!

We really enjoyed Quidam at the Cedar Park Event Center Sunday afternoon. Quidam is one of my favorite shows and I was curious to see if it still had the same magic that it had when I saw it 15 years ago under the Big Top. The arena version of Quidam did not disappoint! I thought it was just as lovely and magical as the tent version.

Since I first saw the show in 1997 my favorite act has been Banquine and it still is. This particular Banquine act was just as great as the original. The music is beautiful and the Choreography is spectacular (thanks to Debbie Brown, one of Cirque's original choreographers). The act is a true art masterpiece in my opinion.

I also enjoyed all the other aerial acts: spanish webs, aerial hoop and aerial silk. According to the program, former Australian Olympic gymnast Lisa Skinner performs the aerial hoop act now. It was a lovely performance! She was in Austin 2 years ago as a tumbler in Alegria so it was nice to see her perform again.

German Wheel was very entertaining to watch and makes me wish I could try it somewhere :-) I remember loving the skipping ropes act 15 years ago and it was just as delightful this time around.

I particularly enjoyed the Diabolo act this year since I've been playing with my own diabolo recently - dropping it more often than catching it. The juggler was fantastic as well.

Hand to hand was amazing since the female performer was often the base. Wow! She is very strong. The Handbalancing on canes act is very engaging - especially with the powerful music and costume. When I first saw the show in 1997 this act was out that particular night so I'm glad I got a chance to see it live.

I find the characters in Quidam very engaging: Zoe, the young girl ignored by her parents, John the clown and The Target (who is a fantastic dancer!).

According to the neon signs in the event center Saltimbanco will be the next Cirque du Soleil arena show to come to Austin/Cedar Park. Yay! I've never seen Saltimbanco live so that will be a real treat. There were no dates listed yet so I'll post if I find out any information.

Quidam opens tonight at the Cedar Park Center

Don't miss it! I'm going this weekend. Quidam is one of my favorite Cirque du Soleil shows. I first saw it in Orange County in 1997. I'm really looking forward to seeing the Banquine act again as well as my other favorites: diabolos, hand balancing, jump rope, aerial hoops, German wheel and anything else acrobatic. Can't wait!

Congratulations to Mackenzie Brannan

And the winner of the Senior International Elite Session... Austinite Mackenzie Brannan
Originally uploaded by DigiNik13

I'm swamped with work and editing gymnastics photos from the WOGA Classic 2012. Austin's own Mackenzie Brannan (Capital Gymnastics) won the Senior All-Around title at the Classic on Saturday night. Congratulations!

Here's a link to my Flickr set from WOGA Classic (I'm still adding photos but it's almost complete).

Trapeze Austin Circus Show February 11th

Trapeze Austin is having another circus show but this time it's in their new circus tent! Sounds like fun! There's more information and a link to buy tickets on their website: www.trapezeaustin.com

Shrine Circus 2012

Shrine Circus 2012, a set on Flickr.

I'm just about done editing photos from the Shrine Circus. I couldn't get good shots of all the great acts but I managed to get a few shots....

Eyes on the club

Eyes on the club
Originally uploaded by DigiNik13

Here's one of my favorite photos so far from the Austin Shrine circus. This lady is a fantastic juggler.