Cirque Shanghai at Navy Pier: A Don't Miss for Summer 2012

Last night my two kids (ages 2 and 11) and I were lucky enough to attend  the opening night of Cirque Shanghai: Year of the Dragon, and all three of us were enthralled.

These performers may look dainty, but they hide incredible strength and nerves of steel

This is a show for kids of all ages, from 1 - 100. My 2-year-old loved the bright colors, the twinkling stars, the "scary" dragon, and the "Princesses" (seemingly dainty acrobats that hide not only incredible strength but also nerves of steel). My 11-year-old was in awe of the bike balancing and hoop diving feats. The grand finale - The Wheel of Death - amazed us all. 

Chicago journalist Desiree Chen profiled the talented China-based Cirque Shanghai performers in an interesting Chicago Tribune article in 2006. Their daring feats will have you holding your breath for their lives. I felt like I should have reached out my arms to catch one of the performers as they expertly managed the incredible Group Chair Stack.

Don't miss Cirque Shanghai, now playing at the Navy Pier Pepsi Skyline Theater, this summer! Tickets are $15.50 - $29.50 and will be available by calling 800-745-3000 or visiting www.ticketmaster.com/shanghai. Discounted tickets for groups of 10 or more are available by calling GroupTix at 773.327.3778 or visiting www.grouptix.net.

Chiara with two of the amazing Cirque Shanghai performers

Chicago on Dwellable