The Big Apple Circus returned to Damrosch Park, Lincoln Center, with the 2025–26 edition of The World’s Best Under Our Big Top.
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This year’s production combined aerial work, acrobatics, balancing, live music, comedy, and a global roster of artists, all presented in the signature one-ring format.
Highlights From the 2025–26 Edition
The show was paced around strong contrasts — height, speed, precision, humor — all shaped by the live orchestra and the intimacy of the tent.
The Flying Maluendas
The trapeze sequences of The Flying Maluendas were the centerpiece of the season. Their timing, mid-air rotations, and long passes across the ring lock the entire tent into complete focus. Several moments landed on absolute silence before applause breaks out. Their coordination with the orchestra gave the act a momentum that felt continuous from start to finish. The rarely performed attempt to a quadruple mid air somersault was breathtaking.
The World Record Aerialist: Alexander Lichner
Lichner’s appearance was one of the season’s high-stakes moments. A double Guinness World Record holder, and winner of over 25 international award, Lichner aerials brought genuine tension into the tent. The drops, speed changes, and sudden releases created a clear sense of risk that the audience reacted to instantly. The pacing was structured around suspense — long climbs, quiet holds, and sudden descents that drew audible gasps. It was one of the defining features of this year’s program.
Acrobatic Ensembles
The Ukrainian Bingo Troupe brought a burst of energy with fast group acrobatics, human pyramids, and synchronized tumbling. Their rhythm paced the tempo of the show and kept the action grounded on the ring floor in between the aerial segments.
Martial Arts & Balance
The Kung Fu Boys segment was all on precision. Their formations, balance work, and martial-arts-based choreography gave their portion of the program a structured feel that contrassted well with the fluidity of the aerial acts. Their head stands without any cushioning pads were a feat to remember.
The Olate Family Dogs
This multi-generational dog act continued to be one of the most engaging segments for families. The coordinated jumps, patterns, and playful interaction brought a warm and lively pulse to the center ring, and stole the show.
Comedy & Transitions
Multi talented clown, Johnny Rico single-handedly tied the program together with classic physical comedy, juggling, musical comedy and audience participation. His segments kept the pacing smooth between the high-intensity acts and maintained a consistent connection with the crowd.
The One-Ring Experience
The closeness to the performers remains the core of the Big Apple Circus experience. Every act — from the height of the trapeze to the smallest detail on the ring floor — happens within full view, reinforcing the intimacy that defines the show.
