Hand balance contortion artist Ricardo Sosa
SARASOTA, FL – Thanks to the continued partnership of the Circus Arts Conservatory and The Ringling, audiences can enjoy world-class entertainment, once again, during the 2022 Summer Circus Spectacular. Circus fans of all ages, from near and far, can beat the heat at reasonable prices while experiencing the best of the circus arts at the Historic Asolo Theater on the grounds of The Ringling. Some of the circus world’s most exciting acts have signed on for the annual show, with performances presented for nine weeks this summer. The show runs from June 10 – August 13, 2022.
This celebrated summertime event has become a seasonal highlight for locals, visitors, families and groups. To complete their circus experience, Summer Circus Spectacular patrons can enjoy access to the Circus Museum on the day they attend a show for just an additional $5 – an incredible value for a full day’s entertainment.
“Each year we are thrilled to partner with the Ringling to present the Summer Circus Spectacular,” said CAC Executive Vice President Jennifer Mitchell. “This show not only offers an affordable entertainment option for all ages but is also the perfect summer family-friendly activity. With nine full weeks of shows, and afternoon and evening options, there will always be a convenient time to come and enjoy the magic of the circus arts!”
The lineup for the Summer Circus Spectacular includes:
Heidi Herriott, Master of Ceremonies: Herriott is proud of her heritage as a third-generation American circus artist. She has traveled North America performing as an aerialist, equestrian and Ringmaster. Career highlights include appearing on “America’s Got Talent” and with Studio 54 Nightclub, Animal Planet, Walt Disney World, Ringling Bros. Circus, Circus Sarasota, Big Apple Circus, Excalibur/Las Vegas and more.
Chris Allison, Comedy: Allison was 12 years old when he took a school field trip to the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey (RBBB) Circus that left him determined that he would grow up and become a clown with the Greatest Show On Earth®. After graduating from the RBBB Clown College with a major in pie throwing and a minor in pratfalls, he spent the next 11 years touring with the circus, the final three years as the Boss Clown. Since leaving the show, he has toured all across the U.S. as well as internationally. He has been seen on MTV’s “Road Rules,” MTV’S “ODDVILLE,” Natalie Merchant’s music video for her hit song “Kind and Generous,” “The Oprah Winfrey Show,” “The Today Show,” “Emeril Live,” Comedy Central’s “Strangers with Candy,” “The Late Show with David Letterman,” and he was a semi-finalist on “America’s Got Talent.”
Olga Coronas and Holly Legare, Duo Lyra: This aerial dream team is honored to bring their aesthetically-pleasing artistic fusion of dance and aerial acrobatics to Sarasota. Coronas, an accomplished, professional aerialist, and Legare, an award-winning dancer, have joined forces to create a beautiful, captivating performance that’s sure to inspire audiences.
Dust In the Wind, Hand Balance Adagio: Seida Maite Ramírez Lobaina and Julio Fajardo Arjona are artistic partners who have taken their act to the next level. Their hand-to-hand balancing and adagio act has taken them all over the world and seen them earn many prestigious awards. Among their many accolades, they have been invited to the elite Monte Carlo International Circus Festival in 2023.
Abrehem Mola, Rolla Bolla: As an agile and athletic youth born and raised in Ethiopia, Mola was destined for his art. At the age of 12, he joined the first of many circuses, performing as an acrobat and juggler before perfecting his rolla bolla routine. Since then, he has been a sought-after artist, thrilling audiences while performing all over the world in circuses and festivals. He came to the United States to perform in 2016 and has since made the U.S. his home.
Ricardo Sosa, Hand Balance Contortion: Sosa hails from Havana, Cuba; he began studying ballet at the age of 6. He went on to train in the state-sanctioned circus school in Cuba. Three years into his professional career, he became a highly-regarded teacher and mentor: his students have gone on to win many national competitions. Offered his first U.S. contract with an American circus in 1999, he has since performed in circuses all over the U.S. and Europe as well as Las Vegas nightclubs and hotels. He now resides permanently in Miami, Fla. but still performs all over the world.
“It is such a pleasure and an honor to bring a live, professional circus show to the beautiful Historic Asolo Theater at The Ringling, which works to preserve the history and legacy of the circus,” said CAC founder and president/CEO Pedro Reis. “Our missions are so closely aligned – we both strive to inspire, educate and entertain; our collaboration has been such an organic and fulfilling effort.”
The show, which will take place at the Historic Asolo Theatre at The Ringling (5401 Bay Shore Rd., Sarasota), runs Friday, June 10 – Saturday, August 13, 2021. Show times are 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays, and 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. on Saturdays. Tickets are $18/adults, $12/children 12 and under. To complete their circus experience, Summer Circus Spectacular patrons can enjoy access to the Circus Museum on the day they attend a show for an additional $5. Go to Ringling.org or call the Box Office at (941) 360-7399.
About Circus Arts Conservatory
The mission of the Circus Arts Conservatory is to engage and educate students using unique and innovative learning programs; to measurably improve the quality of life for individuals in care facilities; and to advance the extraordinary legacy and heritage of the circus. The CAC is home to world-class performances, excellence in training the circus arts, and community-based education and humor therapy outreach programs. Visit CircusArts.org or call (941) 355-9335.
About The Ringling
The Ringling is the pre-eminent center for the arts, history and learning that is dedicated to bringing the past and contemporary culture to life through extraordinary visitor experiences. From its inception, The Ringling has joined the diverse visual traditions and theatrical spectacle of yesterday with the genre-defying global practitioners of today. A place of exploration, discovery and respite, The Ringling’s campus in Sarasota, Florida – which includes the Museum of Art, the Circus Museum, an historic mansion, an 18th century theater and bayfront gardens – is listed on the National Registry of Historic Places. As the State Art Museum of Florida and part of Florida State University, The Ringling fulfills an important educational mission. The Ringling offers formal and informal programs of study serving as a major resource for students, scholars, and lifelong learners of every age within the region, across the country and around the world. Visit Ringling.org.
