Under the Big Top: Elephants, tigers, monkeys make debut in dance

"Ladies and gentlemen and children of all ages, step right up and get your tickets for a three-ring circus of glorious non-stop, frantic, win-you-over-send-you-home-happy fun, featuring prancing ponies, lion tamers, and tight rope walkers. It's all brought to you by the one, the only, master of humbug, the Barrington Youth Dance Ensemble. That's their name, and miracles are their game."

The lines above are a take-off of the intro to the famous Barnum circus. Other circus take-offs found in the classy ballet version of "Under the Big Top" performed by the not-for-profit dance organization, which was formed in 1989, include elephants, tigers and monkeys.

Of course, all the parts are performed by more than 100 area children. Guest artist Guillermo Leyva, formerly of the Joffrey Ballet, acts as the ringmaster and Wade Schaaf, of River North Dance Chicago, plays the part of Strong Man.

"We sometimes look outside for male parts and get professional guest artists when required," said Jessica Till, executive director of the ensemble. "This brings up the caliber of the production. It's also wonderful to have the professionals act as role models and their experience really benefits the kids when they work together."

The troupe performed "Under the Big Top" in 2003. However, Till said there are some changes in the 2008 version. Those changes include new set pieces in the clown and animal scenes. However, the main modification to this greatest show on earth is the pre-show entertainment.

"For a full, fun, family event, we'll have stilt walkers, jugglers, balloon makers, free popcorn, and circus-related giveaways," said Till. "Some of the characters will hold a meet and greet. Kids love to see them before the show and take photos with them."

Shannon Hanley will be open to the paparazzi. The 17-year-old student of Prairie Ridge High School in Crystal Lake will be playing the parts of a high-flyer, samba girl, and animal trainer in the production.

"The animal trainer is the most challenging of the three parts because of the difficult steps," said Hanley, who has never seen a real circus. "There are a lot of sequences that come right after one another. It's hard to catch my breath and keep going."

Yet, playing the animal trainer is also Hanley's favorite character. She likes it because she plays a pivotal role in the scene, and she says it's fun. A fun part, yes, but the funniest?

"No, the funniest part of the show is when the samba girl dances and the 5-, 6-, and 7-year-olds join in," said Hanley. "They play the part of monkeys and elephants and they're just so cute doing it."

Although the audience may become entranced with the turn-of-the-century circus theme, they will ultimately be moved with the power of a ballet. As such, there will be no speaking parts or narrative. Everything will be executed through music and dance.

"The last two acts are definitely the highlight of the show," said Till. "It involves the core of the company, with the strongest female dancers. It is technically difficult and there is a lot of work to the choreography."

If you go

What: "Under the Big Top," performed by the Barrington Youth Dance Ensemble

When: 7 p.m. Friday and 2 p.m. Saturday; preshow begins one hour before performance

Where: Barrington High School's Richard C. Johnson Auditorium, 616 W. Main St., Barrington

Admission: $13-$15 in advance; $15 at the door

Call: (847) 382-6333 or www.byde.org