The Wandering Disciple

Sarasota, Florida:  Bring your families and nestle in under the big top for a magical night of holiday cheer as Nik Wallenda and and the Circus Arts Conservatory bring you "A Brave New Wonderland".  Join Johnny Rocket and Ty McFarland on a journey through the holidays and learn the meaning of the holiday season. Using dazzling acts of strength and acrobatics, circus entertainers help tell the story of Kwanza, Hannukah and Christmas.    Developed by Sarasota's own circus legend Nik Wallenda, the show features a star packed lineup including a finale by Nik and his family.  The circus uses music, acrobats and a little circus magic to bring the meaning of the holiday season to life for the entire family. A Brave New Wonderland is being held under the Circus Sarasota big top on the grounds of the Mall at University Town Center on select nights through December 31.  Tickets range from $30-75.  There is no charge for parking. We attended the 2:30 show on Satu...

An animal peers over the fence in the petting zoo at a travelling circus that visited the Charlotte County Fairgrounds.  Circus Hollywood made a stop in in town, bringing a petting zoo and an entertaining circus that dazzled the crowds.  (Photo: May 29, 2011)

Laser Man Gimmi Fornaciari dazzles the crowd with his laser show at Cirque Italia. Fornciari splits the laser beams with his hands in a dazzling display of laser lights. (Photo: March 22, 2014)

Venice, Florida: Cirque Italia made a four day stop in Venice for their 2014 show. The one-of-a-kind aquatic circus travels the United States with a show unlike other. Surrounding a 45,000 gallon pool of water, the acts take to the stage and soar through the air in stunning displays. Click on the photo to see photos from this year's presentation of Cirque Italia as well as images from last year .

Laido Dittmar performs his juggling act during Circus Sarasota’s performance of Wonderstruck. Performing since he was six years old, Dittmar has traveled the world to show off his juggling skills. (Photo: February 8, 2014)

Caroline Williams circles the ring in the Red, White and Blue during a patriotic performance at Circus Sarasota. Williams performs several quick change routines while riding horseback for her opening act in the circus. Circus Sarasota runs through February 23. (Photo: February 8, 2014)

Chucko the Clown entertains the crowd at Circus Sarasota. Chucko and many more great acts can be seen through the month of Febuary during Circus Sarasota's 2014 show "Wonderstruck". (Photo: February 8, 2014)

Sarasota, Florida: The circus comes to town under the big top as Circus Sarasota opens for its 2014 season with a performance called Wonderstruck. Wonderstruck features performers from all over the globe to provide a wonderful performance ranging from comedy to high flying aerial acrobatics. Circus Sarasota founder Pedro Reis has searched the world for the top circus acts to make Wonderstruck the best show yet. This year's show is hosted by Ty McFarlan and features the following performers and acts: Caroline Williams - horseback quick change  Laido Dittmar - juggling  Dolly Jacobs and Rafael Palacios - aerial aerobatics  Tony and Janette Alexis - classic clowns  Erik Niemen - tightrope  Deng Lin and Miao Changwei - hand balancing  Luciano Anastasini - dog act  Cornel Tell - crossbow sharp shooting  Jan Navrátil - foot juggling  Chuck Sidlow - Chucko the Clown  The Flying Cortes - trapeze  Wonderstruck runs thr...

A performer with Cirque Italia performs during a recent stop in Venice, Florida.  Cirque Italia travels the country with a great lineup of acrobatic and humor combined in a family friendly show.   (Photo: March 17, 2013) Click on the photo to see the Cirque Italia photo gallery.

The Comedy Matadors entertain the audience at Cirque Italia. The trio and their dogs make the crowd erupt in laughter throughout the entire act. Cirque Italia has one more day left in Venice before the show heads to Ocala for the beginning of April. (Photo: March 10, 2013)

Performer Nicolette Fornasari greets the crowd following her amazing aerial performance at Cirque Italia.  where she flies high above the crowd on the cloudswing.  Come join Nicolette and the rest of the Cirque Italia performers Venice as they enter their final week in town.  (Photo: March 10, 2013)

The Duo AA perform at Cirque Italia during a stop in Venice. The duo of Adam Vazquez and Anton Makuhin demonstrate their strength to the crowd in the show’s finale. Cirque Italia continues in Venice until March 17. (Photo: March 10, 2013)

A performer dazzles the crowd at Cirque Italia.  The aquatic extravaganza has been entertaining Venice since the beginning of March.  The shows continues through March 17. (Photo: March 10, 2013)