The651.com

In our nation’s current landscape of political double-speak and diminishing returns, very few things deliver what they advertise.  It is a sad state of affairs when we greet each new announcement with a skeptical shrug.  But Circus Juventus, a performing arts circus school for youth in St. Paul, is one of the rare things in this world that actually delivers the goods.  Circus Juventas is so kick-ass, in fact, Mayor Chris Coleman recently declared August 1st “Circus Juventas Day” in the city of St. Paul.  By teaching two thousand kids per year circus artistry, Juventas has inspired generations of Twin Cities youth.  It is a true organic triumph in our tough times.
Celebrating its 15th season, Circus Juventas presents “Yulong:  The Jade Dragon,” a story of emperors, battles, courage, love, and peace.  It is also a tale of Mulan, the young woman who fights to bring honor to her family.  This, of course, is all spectacularly staged and choreographed with aerial acrobatics, drumming, sword fighting, trapeze, and wicked contortion.

I could go ahead and describe the show acts performed in “Yulong: The Jade Dragon.”  But it would be as futile as trying to put pants on a cat.  You just have to go see it, man.  At one point during the show, nine performers climbed up onto three tall posts and started flinging upside down and all around.  Then there were teeter totters that literally flung one woman off the ground twelve feet into the air, where she then landed on two outstretched hands, and did the splits.  I mean come on, dude.  Seriously?

You can’t make this up.  And that was just the first act.

It should be noted, again, that while these acts are breathtaking, they are not executed by professional circus performers.  These are just kids.  But these aren’t just any old kids.  These are our kids.  The “Yulong:  The Jade Dragon” cast is made up of kids rooted in the Twin Cities.  They represent the entire city, ranging from Breck, Highland Park, Washburn, Orono, and Yinghua Academy, amongst many other schools.  These are the same peeps that shovel our sidewalks, bag our groceries, and fidget in line waiting to see the new Harry Potter movies.  This is what makes Circus Juventas so amazing.  These kids work selfishly and tirelessly to create a level of artistry that belies their youth.  When you enter the circus tent, munching on some popcorn, program in hand, and take your seat, the lights will go low, and the show will start.  Performers will twirl down from the ceiling, dangling from strands of silk.  They will fly through the air on a triangle trapeze, clinging to the bars by their tippy-toes. For a single moment, that beleaguered skeptical feeling that courses through our hardened adult veins will fade, and you will be reminded that not only does youth burn eternal, but it flings up walls, shoots off a teeter totter, and fights dragons.

What:  Circus Juventas “Yulong:  The Jade Dragon” ( Click HERE for tickets or call 651.699.8229)

Where:  1270 Montreal Avenue  St. Paul, MN  55116
Note:     The first act is 1 ½ hours long.  (Something to think about with the little kiddies)