HEARTLAND HEROINE.

The article focuses on recent developments and ongoing traditions in American circus culture, highlighting the return of Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey (RBBB) with a new animal-free format featuring human acts like Skyler Miser, a human cannonball from Peru, Indiana. It also covers the Circus World Museum's summer season in Baraboo, Wisconsin, emphasizing retiring elephants Viola and Isa and the continuation of equine programming. Additionally, the piece reviews performances by Big Apple Circus, including ringmaster and aerialist Alan Silva, and notes innovations in circus routing and audience engagement amid changing technologies and social media. The article underscores the importance of adapting circus traditions to new generations while preserving the art form's heritage.