After making its Canadian debut last spring, Europa Super Circus returned to the Elements Casino parking lot in Surrey April 16 to 19 as part of another national tour showcasing their unique action-packed lineup of everything from aerialists to dirt bike stunt riders. 

Kicking off the event was the introduction of Irish-American ringmaster Loofy, dressed in a shiny outfit complete with requisite top hat and bright red tailcoat. He played the perfect foil to Angelo Chaves, known as the “Clown Prince of Portugal,” who provided the comedic relief between acts, like bringing three children from the crowd to play a hilariously-rigged game of musical chairs. 

The first to dazzle the crowed was Disa Carneol, who soared to the top of the big top on the trapeze. Following up her high-flying act was Duo Refraction, a two-person team made up of Chicago-based acrobats Kat Harvey and Ryan Huemmer, also no stranger to heights. Initially using aerial silks, the pair would later return to tell a story of whimsy and romance via an aerial cube. 

Canadian and Montreal-trained Paul Perreault wheeled and dealed around the ring in the Cyr wheel, and then second-generation circus performer Geoffrey Berhault demonstrated intense focus and poise while dancing, jumping and flipping on the 10-millimetre thin cable of the tightwire. Fun fact: Berhault, along with fellow multi-generational artist Desire Cardinali Chaves, jointly produce Europa. 

In addition, guests are treated to a demonstration by contortionist Julie Engeldinger displaying feats of extreme flexibility including holding her entire body weight via a mouthpiece apparatus, and the family favourite Freestyle Motocross jumps where riders like 19-year-old FMX daredevil Kaden Davidson take off on a ramp in-between the audience. As a surprise this year, the bikes used are electric and the experience is largely silent compared to the usual roar (and smell) of internal combustion.

Europa Super Circus is currently continuing its west coast leg and has stops between Vernon and Charlie Lake, B.C. before heading to Grande Prairie, AB in June. Visit supercircus.com for more information.