Twists and turns in the big ring

Twists and turns in the big ring

Thunderous cheers greeted each feat by the Chinese acrobats
performing with the Indonesia Oriental Circus during their show
in a giant tent in Kelapa Gading, North Jakarta.

Set up in the 1960s, the Indonesia Oriental Circus hires
renowned acrobats from China -- selected as the winners of
several international acrobatic competitions -- for a year to
allow their local counterparts to learn from them.

The audience is not only left to gasp at the amazing acts of
agility, but also guffaw at the antics of the clowns and the
animal performers.

The circus stays in one place for several weeks before moving
on to other sites across Java, all the time showcasing the family
entertainment found in the big ring.

-- Text and photos by P.J. Leo