SARASOTA, FL — Growing… Interacting… Elevating… The excitement is palpable at Circus Sarasota as they begin a new circus season and continue to further their mission of expanding the circus arts, engaging the community and taking the circus experience to a whole new level. The 2012-2013 circus season not only promises to be the entertainment extravaganza that Circus Sarasota – and the legendary, youth circus, Sailor Circus – is known for, but has also grown to include hands on training classes where participants dive inside the belly of the circus arts for a physically charged experience of athleticism and adventure. The combination provides the circus town of Sarasota and Southwest Florida with an all-encompassing circus revelry that raises the bar of entertainment and interaction.

Pedro Reis, co-founder and producer of Circus Sarasota, explains, “We live in a place that is alive with circus history, passion and performance. What better way to spark the excitement and appreciation for the circus arts than to engage our community through exciting performances while also offering an opportunity to physically experience the training that takes place behind the magic of the big top.”

The season has already kicked off with the introduction of two new circus-style fitness classes sure to inspire your inner acrobat. Aerial Gym, a combination of yoga and other muscle engaging exercises, is a program designed for adults (ages 16+), of all fitness levels, that incorporates the use of unique circus arts techniques with aerial circus hoops to help increase strength, flexibility, balance and body awareness. Classes are offered on Mondays from 7:15 to 8:30 a.m., Wednesday’s from 9:30 to 11:00 A.M., Fridays from 8:30 to 10:00 A.M. and Sundays from 3:00 to 4:30 P.M. Cost is $20 for one class or $55 for three. Now through December 31, your first class is only $10. Student discounts are available and reservations are recommended. And, if you have ever dreamt of flying through the air with the greatest of ease, the Flying Trapeze Classes will help you discover your courage and take your fitness goals to new heights. Led by seasoned instructors and world-renowned professionals, the classes are designed for participants (ages 6+) who dare to challenge gravity and swing through the air, trapeze style. Classes are offered most Sundays from 12 to 2 P.M. and Mondays from 9:30 to 11:30 A.M.. Check the website, www.CircusSarasota.org, for specific dates. Cost is $35 per class or six classes for $175. Registration is required and Sailor Circus Alumni and student discounts are available. All classes take place at the Sailor Circus Arena located at 2075 Bahia Vista Street, Sarasota. For more information regarding either class or to register call (941) 556-5480 or email Courtney@SailorCircus.org.

The excitement doesn’t stop there… Sailor Circus, America’s Oldest Youth Circus, presents “The Greatest “Little” Show on Earth” with the 2012 Holiday Spectacular – The Polar Express. Based on the story of a young boy who boards a magical train headed to the North Pole in search of Santa Claus on Christmas Eve, this circus adventure will embark on an extraordinary journey of entertainment that proves the wonder of life never fades for those who believe. The 2012 Sailor Circus Holiday Spectacular – The Polar Express, runs for four holiday-magic-filled days from Thursday, December 27th through Sunday, December 30th at the Sailor Circus Arena located at 2075 Bahia Vista Street, Sarasota. The cost is $16 for adults and $12 for children under 12. Tickets are available at the box office or by calling (941) 366-0156. Show times are Thursday, Dec. 27 and Friday, Dec. 28 at 7 P.M., Saturday, Dec. 29 and Sunday, Dec. 30 at 2 P.M. & 7 P.M.

Then to start the New Year, Circus Sarasota invites you to embark on a journey of discovery and thrills as they present Nik Wallenda – His Journey Continues. Starring, Nik Wallenda – daredevil wire- walker and the only person in the world to cross directly over the precipice of Niagara Falls – this circus engagement promises hire wire excitement and daredevilry from Wallenda and his family in addition to other jaw-dropping performances, from internationally acclaimed circus artists, and guarantees an all-around, spectacular circus experience. Other performers featured in the 2013 Circus Sarasota Big Top performances include: Encho, an incredible hand balance act who made his American Debut last year in Sarasota and is back by popular demand, the aerial artistry of Co-Founder Dolly Jacobs who inspires with grace and beauty, the hilarious acrobatic antics of Duo Manduca, the mystery and illusion of Quick Change artists Vladimir and Olga Smirnov, interactive Ventriliquist Willer Nicolodi who will have audiences in stitches, the precise and skillful juggling of Duo Platchkov …and more…all led by Ringmaster Extraordinaire Paul Binder of The Big Apple Circus. The Show runs from Friday, January 25 through Friday, February 15, 2013, at the corner of Tuttle Avenue and 12th Street, under the Circus Sarasota Big Top. Tickets start as low as $10 and multiple discount opportunities are available. For more information regarding show times or to purchase tickets call (941) 355-9805 or visit www.CircusSarasota.org.