We had a great night at the circus! This definitely isn’t the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus I remember having my 8th birthday party under the big top. The new and updated version of what I remember as the circus is designed to entertain & excite both young and young at heart for over 3 hours of family fun, this show is “Built to Amaze.”
We arrived at San Jose’s SAP arena an 1 hour early for the preshow. At the back of the parking lot Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey have set up an animal viewing area. You can see the elephants, tigers, and horses in this area. The show provides facts about the animals and you see how they are kept between shows. You may want prepare your children that there are animal protestors outside the arena. It made for a good conversation with my girls on the drive to the show about the different sides of the argument of how animals can be treated.
An hour before show time, there is an interactive time down on the show floor. You get to see mini acts of what is to come up close and personal and you can dress up in some of the costumes. 
Everyone gets a free clown nose, but beware the bounce house does cost $5.
Built to Amaze is definitely that! Ringmaster Andre McClain uses his singing abilities to lead you through the Greatest Show on Earth. 
This show is packed with dancing, tumbling, clowns, unicycles, exotic animals, high wire act, trapeze, and a human canon ball to name just a few! The clowns keep you laughing and the show flows seamlessly from one act to another. 
My girls were amazed by the animals as well as by the performers. More than once I heard “How did they do that?” I was amazed by how many set changes there were and you never noticed they were taking place. 
Favorites among our group were the tigers, the high wire, the vortex and the trampoline tumblers.
If you have time to see Built to Amaze, I highly recommend it. It really is truly Amazing!
About Julie: I’m a 41 year old (and yes that seems old) SAHM, independent demonstrator with Uppercase Living, a self-taught artist/crafter (whichever term you want to put with what I create), and former social worker. My life revolves around myself, husband, son (12), daughter (9), and twin daughters (7). That makes 6 to keep up with! We have an active family who loves the outdoors, scouting, swimming, and volunteering. You can find me at http://juliecorrigan.
I was provided tickets to attend the show, but my opinions and experiences are all my own.
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