Somehow I managed to make it to 23 years of age without ever having set foot in a circus, or zoo for that matter (but that’s a different story). I recently was given some tickets to go to see Cirque du Soleil.

It was a great show. I was on the edge of my seat the whole time, in wonder and amazement like a child. I covered my eyes when I thought the tightropper was going to fall. I was hypnotized by the rhythm of the six simultaneous hula hoops circling the gymnast’s body. And I was charmed by the romance of the unicyclist and his flexible companion. It was crazy, funny, and it ruined me for all other circuses. I loved it!

Tobs & I (cue: “Reunited and it feels so goood”). Hooray for mirror pictures!

The gymnasts were so talented. I briefly wondered if they were overqualified for Olympic gymnastics.

Watch this video of 19 year old contortionist/hula hooper Elena Lev perform in Cirque du Soleil Alegria.

This is super beasty, and is what I think of when I hear “rhythmic gymnastics.” No shade meant for the talented Olympiads, but this kind of work must require one heck of a training regime.

Great show. I highly recommend it!