Chicago Kidz Put Energy Into Circus

The circus: such a childish event for today’s mature teenager.

Well, not anymore.

The Chicago Kidz returned this year, after taking a three-year break, to the 125th anniversary of famous circus entertainers Ringling Bros. and Barnum and Bailey’s Greatest Show On Earth.

The group includes ten talented teens toppling and tumbling their way into the spotlight, and into the hearts of an enthralled audience. Straight from the streets of Chicago (hence their name), this uncanny group combines hip-hop, gymnastics, aerial leaps and bounds and unprecedented teenage kinetic energy.

Their energy also helps their incredible self-discipline to juggle schooling, sports and leisure time with extensive (not to mention strenuous) performances and practices. The oldest member of the group, Tim Shaw, recently graduated from high school.

“Ringling helped me develop into a strong man on the inside and the outside,” Shaw said.

Although working in a circus seems all play and no work, Shaw and his nine other pals found out otherwise.

The Chicago Kidz, as they learn to manage their time, earn money for college, continue their studies, master new physical skills and mature as professionals, consistently conquer dream after dream. Shaw plans on being a lawyer, another plans to pursue an engineering career.

For now however, the teens seem content with merely being in Ringling.

Teens really have “gone and joined the circus,” although it’s not as bad as most individuals might think.