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Circus students go behind the scenes

Hopkins adult class takes tour of Ringling Bros.

March 17, 2008|By Arin Gencer , Sun Reporter

"It's just like the rest of the world," Flint said. "It just moves every day."

Further down the passage, the group ventured into a room where two women were sewing portions of a large, glittering blanket covered with Swarovski crystals and gold and silver spangles - the same sort of blanket that circus elephants sport in front of cheering crowds.

"They're basically giant industrial tapestries," Acton said. Tapestries that can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars to create, he added. Those no longer in use go to a museum or are destroyed, he said, a circus tradition that guarantees that no other act gets its hands on them.

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Flint's students eventually moved inside the arena, where clowns - including a newly made-up and costumed Acton - and several other performers interacted with audience members.

After Williams passed a wardrobe rack hung with old circus costumes, he doubled back, surveying the possibilities. After a few seconds, he pulled on a brightly shimmering gold robe, and turned for a friend to see his new look.

"I think it's me," Williams said.

arin.gencer@baltsun.com

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