trapeze

Around 20 jugglers, trapeze artists and concession stand workers are filtering into the big top that the majestic Circus Vargas uses to perform across 25 California cities 11 months out of the year.

Flying trapeze artist Mariella Arata-Quiroga, daughter of Vargas owners and longtime friends of Cancro, Nelson Quiroga and Katya Arata-Quiroga, turns to smile at her grandfather, Victor Arata, a retired high-wire performer.

When circus-goers witness acts like a triple somersault on the trapeze or spinning in a human hamster wheel without a harness, they see a fleeting moment that is said to have divine impact.

Without really knowing it, every circus attendee shows up to see if the juggler will keep the balls in the air, if the flying trapeze artist will catch their partner, if the rider will survive the Globe.

At some outdoor stadiums, for example, the flags are displayed vertically on poles due to space limitations, while at indoor arenas, such as La Defense Arena, the swimming venue, they are displayed horizontally and raised on a motorized system called a trapeze.