I never thought I would travel just to see a circus. I especially never would have expected to see the world renowned, unique and amazing Cirque du Soleil on a school day. 

Months prior to the trip, my French teacher (Mrs. Kelly Arno) announced a planned trip to Atlanta to experience both French and Spanish culture. A number of Thomas County Central High School French and Spanish students were given the opportunity to attend a Cirque du Soleil show in Atlanta on Oct. 27. I was one among the 47 who wanted to go. The reason why I was quick to sign up for the trip is because I had never been to Atlanta or the circus. It would have been foolish of me not to take up the offer!

After five long hours, we arrived in the big city of Atlanta. After making our way through the busy traffic, we got off the bus and joined the crowd of people already gathered who seemed just as eager as we to see this year’s show, “Luzia.” We found our seats and waited for the performance to begin. 

I didn’t know what to expect. Prior to the show, I anticipated things like knife throwing, sword swallowing, fire eating and live animals. I never expected that it would be even more amazing than I´d imagined.

It began with a man acting as if he were crash landing into the show, a mime act in a way. After a few minutes, a group of tumblers dressed to look like colorful birds appeared and began to perform. Not a single one ever missed his or her mark. Soon after, a couple danced wonderfully across the stage followed by two women: one on a cyr wheel and the other on an aerial rope. The man from the beginning soon returned with a whistle in his mouth and banter for the audience. He was then followed by a one-man balancing act, a few skillful soccer players, and an act that featured a waterfall forming various animal and plant shapes. 

During intermission, I stood to get something to drink and realized goosebumps were peppered across my arms and excitement filled my body. I needed a memento to mark the occasion, so I bought a CD filled with some of Cirque du Soleil’s best music.

The last portion of the show was as equally amazing, and funny, as the first. Three acts in particular stood out to me during the second half of the show: a man who used water and an aerial rope, an incredibly thin contortionist, and a group of men and women performing with Russian swings. These were the most intriguing parts of the show to me: terrifying, beautiful and exciting all rolled into three acts.

From this trip, I learned about the customs and acts of Cirque du Soleil as well as Spanish culture and attire. Two cultures in one!

After the show, I returned with everyone to the buses for the long trip home. Stopping only once for dinner, we finally made it back after midnight. I may have been tired, but I would make the trip again in a heartbeat if it meant going to see a show like that.