A circus coming to the Bay area is putting a new twist on the traditional performance.
Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey's Circus Xtreme is creating a new level of entertainment and excitement.
The show is bringing its energy to the Amalie Arena in Tampa Jan. 1 through Jan. 4.
"Everything is extreme and new," said Alana Feld, the VP of Ringling Bros. "And I think one of the most exciting segments of our show is the freestyle display."
The extreme circus features BMX riders, trampoline jumpers, acrobats and free runners.
In preparation for the Tampa show, the circus performers are training at Feld Entertainment Studios in Ellenton.
The new all-in-one facility for Ringling's parent company Feld Entertainment makes putting a show together from scratch a little more streamlined and that makes a huge difference, for the show's biggest stars.
The entire 580,000 square foot facility is designed with all types of animals in mind.
"It's designed for the animals, for their comfort, whether it's the horses, the elephants or the tigers," said animal care specialist Ryan Henning. "The elephants, the tigers, all the animals are enjoying it down here."
In addition to the extreme acts and animals, the circus also features traditional acts like clowns.
"What's a circus without clowns?" said Boss Clown Taylor Albin. "One of my favorite parts of this job is letting a family forget their worries at the door and for the three hours that they're with us, have just so much fun and carrying on the tradition that has been set before us by so many ringing clowns.
"It's amazing, it truly is so cool to be able to be apart of this."