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Arts & Entertainment

Step Right Up to the Greatest Show in Greenbelt

Youngsters participate in a two-week circus camp run by a former Ringling Brothers performer.

Kids who go to Circus Camp, a two-week program offered in Greenbelt, have a chance to master everything from juggling and riding a unicycle to flying on not one but two different trapezes. They may even try tight rope and stilt walking, as well as many other skills known to circus performers.

Camp participants receive both instruction in the skills needed to use various circus equipment and ample time to truly develop those skills. 

Learning to ride the Ultimate Wheel, a unicycle without a seat, is the most challenging prop to learn, says Gregory May, the camp's director and a former Ringling Brothers Barnum and Bailey Circus performer. So far, only one camper has mastered this feat, but others are trying.

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Care to see these kids' mentors in action?

Come Friday, Circus Camp staff and Greenbelt's own Creative Kids Camp staff will be performing inside the Greenbelt Community Center's gymnasium, a production in support of the Mary Purcell Geiger Scholarship Fund. The fund provides support to Greenbelters who are interested in performing and visual arts, as well as programs aimed at seniors. 

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Time: Friday, July 22, at 7 p.m.

Where: Greenbelt Community Center Gym

Tickets: A $5 minimum donation per ticket is encouraged. Tickets may be purchased in advance at the Community Center office or over the phone at (301) 397-2208.

If you can't make that performance, be sure to come out for the debut of the Greenbelt Youth Circus, the culmination of the Circus Camp. It's on August 19 and 20, with limited seating available. Again, those interested may pick up tickets in advance from the Community Center office or by phone at (301) 397-2208. 

Editor's Note: This story has been corrected. An earlier version incorrectly provided information about the Greenbelt Youth Circus date and the performers at the July 22 show. We regret the error.

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