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Dragons, goblins, and trapeze artists take center stage as the Great Y Circus returns with Fantasy and a cast of nearly 300.
It seems impossible for anyone living in Redlands not to have seen a performance by The Great Y Circus at the Redlands YMCA. This unique tradition began in 1929 and is now entering its 83rd season. With close to 300 performers and another 100 volunteers, the show is a spectacle to behold.
For Circus Director Emilie Gleisberg, this is her eighth show on the side of directin. This year, the team has invited mythical creatures and beasts to join a show titled Fantasy.
“We do have some acts that have darker concepts, like the bogeyman in juggling,” Gleisberg said. “It’s a fun dark.”
The idea for this year’s show came about when longtime trainer Damon Needelman, who teaches the juggling act diabolo, commented, “We’ve never done anything where we could do dragons in my act.” Gleisberg replied, “You know what, you’re right.” The only way to bring dragons and other mythical creatures together was through a common theme: fantasy.
Fantasy features 37 acts in total—34 main acts and three that entertain during transitions between scenes. A record number of 50 circus classes offered by the YMCA this past year made that possible. Performing in these nine upcoming shows is the pinnacle of the season and a testament to the hard work of the circus artists. About 10% of the cast are brand new to circus.
The swinging single trapeze returns in this year’s show. “People love that because they literally swing over the audience,” Gleisberg said. Another returning addition is a dance troupe that performs between acts.
“Something that’s really cool this year is Advanced Strap,” she added. “That’s just an outstanding act. You watch them perform and you’re like, I will never have muscles like that in my lifetime.”
Advanced Strap is an elite-level act typically seen at venues like Cirque du Soleil. The Y Circus is able to offer it this year thanks to trainer Leila Roloff, who brings experience from many other circuses.
Performing acrobats range in age from 3 to 70 years old. As Gleisberg likes to say, circus is for everyone.
“There’s a lot of excitement and a lot of goofiness,” she said of this year’s show. Trainers and kids have contributed their own ideas and input into the production, which—along with dragons—features werewolves, leprechauns, krakens, goblins, fairies, abominable snowmen, and aliens.
The most important part, Gleisberg said, is showcasing the kids’ hard work.
“I see the struggles, and I’m so excited for them to be on stage and have gotten through it all and smile,” she said.
Each performance can seat up to 650 people. The stage has been arranged so everyone has a prime view of the action.
“Our goal is that the audience feels like we are taking them on a tour of a mythical world,” she said. “I’m hoping that this year’s show is a little more cohesive—that the story is clear.”
Another goal is to make opening night the biggest performance. While the final weekend typically sells out, Gleisberg hopes to see strong community support early on.
“It would mean a lot to me—for the kids. They work so hard,” she said. “I would love for our community to show up for these families. Some of these kids are going through stuff, and they’re still showing up to perform for you.”
The opening show takes place Friday, May 2, at 7 p.m. Get your tickets now from the front desk at the YMCA in Redlands.
The performances of 2025 will run from May 2 – 18. Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Address: 500 E. Citrus Ave., Redlands, CA 92373.
Phone: 909 798 9622
Website: www.ymcaeastvalley.org/programs/circus/
Tickets: $22. Younger children are free if they can sit on an adult’s lap.
Tickets are available at the Redlands Family YMCA front desk (500 E Citrus Ave, Redlands, CA 92373)
All ticket proceeds benefit The Great Y Circus, supported by Community Circus Arts Cooperation.
The YMCA of the East Valley is a sponsor of Community Forward Redlands. To learn more about our sponsors and how you can support local businesses, visit our Sponsorship Information Page.
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