/ Modified nov 12, 2010 11:14 a.m.

Circus: Born To Be Circus

The cast performs its final shows of the season and the crew tears down the big top for the last time. Wednesday at 9 p.m. on PBS-Hd.

Born to Be Circus - Big Apple Circus founder Paul Binder embarks on his annual trip to scout new talent at the renowned Monte Carlo circus festival. Not only is this one of the glitziest social events of the year, but it's also an opportunity to stay connected with the international circus community. Here, we learn about the long tradition of circus, and how those in this community are working to ensure that circus survives.

We meet the Anastasini family -- Luciano and Gladis who are in charge of this year's dog act, and their sons Adriano and Brando -- who come from 9 generations of circus performers. Both Luciano and Gladis grew up in the circus, and it is the only life they know. But will their sons be content to carry on the family legacy?

circus_wire_practice_617x347 Sarah Schwartz practices her wire-walking act with Abby, one of the circus children.
PBS

In the series' final episode, Down the Road, we traverse the final three months of the season. In the homestretch everyone is happy that the end is in sight, though many are uncertain about their job prospects when the season ends in July.

Many of our characters are looking forward to bright futures -- a 17-year old acrobat who was born and raised in the circus is excited to go off to college, and one of the ring crew has found his soulmate in another crew member. As the trailers start to pull out of the lot, people jump out of their cars to give each other one last hug, and a "see you down the road," the age-old circus farewell, and we watch the tent come down one last time.

Circus

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