And in the center ring ...

This three-ring tent stands as the world's largest circus under the big top. Audiences will enjoy shows of large Bengal tigers, flying trapeze artists, aerial ladder acrobatics, a human cannonball, tightrope walkers, women flying through the air braced by only their hair, and much, much more.

Ringmaster Christopher Connors, who was brought up by two supporting parents of the business, directs this sensational circus. His love for the circus began when he was just a small child. Roger Boyd, a friend of his father's, who at the time was a ringmaster, held a great influence on Conners as a boy.

"When he sat me on his knee to talk about the circus, that's when it hit me," Connors said.

From that point forward, Connors knew the circus was his home.

As opposed to popular belief, there exists more to being ringmaster than standing in an open circle with the crowd marveling at the exquisite costume. With more 200 people running the show and nearly 50 performers (not to mention the oversized group of animals), Connors must make sure everyone is safe at all times and ready to perform.

"When you're in the ring, you have to be the persona of the ringmaster: mature, calm and in control," Connors said.

When a situation arises in the middle of the show, such as a performer falling off the highwire, as one did earlier in the season, Connors must assure the audience that everything is OK, and make sure children are not scared. When viewers witnessed the fall and the ambulance stretcher remove the performer, the injured young man simply gave the audience a thumbs up and the show went on.

IF YOU GO

Where: Naples-Fort Myers Greyhound Track at Bonita Springs When: Friday to Sunday, Nov. 21 to 23 Showtimes: Friday, 4:30 and 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, 1:30, 4:30 and 7:30 p.m.; and Sunday, 1:30 and 4:30 p.m. Tent raising is from 7 to 10 a.m. every opening day and it's free. Best photo opportunities are between 8 and 9:30 a.m. Cost: Varies. Buy tickets in advance and save. Buy a reserved seat in advance for an adult ages 13 to 61 for $14 and for children and senior citizens for $9. VIP ringside seats in advance are $20. The day of the show reserved seats are $16 for adults and $11 for children and seniors. General admission seats in the bleachers for $14 for adults and $9 for children and seniors. VIP ringside seats are $22 the day of the show. Advance tickets are on sale at Pat's Cards and Gifts-8951 Bonita Beach Blvd., at www.tickets.com, or call (888) 332-5600. Information: (800) 796-5672

From an audience perspective, these performers who swing and flip through the air may seem a bit strange, legally insane perhaps. But, to the performer, it's a whole new ball game.

Janna Roukhmanova, a trapeze soloist, moved to the United States at the age of 14 from Russia. She was born into the circus in Russia where her mother was a trapeze artist. She began training for the trapeze at the age of 16 and has now been pulling the act for four years.

"Before you start, you have to build muscles, especially the abs to lift your legs. If you are weak, you will fall and won't be able to do anything. It took me awhile to get good and to do hard things," Roukhmanova said.

Practice makes perfect.

Roukhmanova mainly performs solo acts, but has had the opportunity to do the double trapeze, where one person is on top of the other, with her very own mother.

"I did it for a year and have very good memories about it. It was really great working with my mom. It's always good to try new things and see if you can do them well. If you can, then why not go for it?" Roukhmanova said.

As far as trying new things goes, Roukhmanova stands ready for any stunt thrown her way. During her performance, she releases her hands from the trapeze that swings so high above the ground, and hangs only by her ankles.

"When you hold on with your hands, you can catch yourself. But, when you are on your legs, there really isn't anything you can do if something goes wrong," Roukhmanova said.

Talk about "thrills and chills," as Connors puts it.

The circus, a 200-year-old American family tradition, provides just that: fear. The tent echoes with "oohs" and "ahhs" as performers display their out of the ordinary tricks. But, what audiences don't see is the fear that sometimes enraptures the performers themselves.

"I feel the swing and the breeze and it scares me sometimes. But, that's why we do it, to make everyone happy and let them get scared of what we're doing, too," Roukhmanova said.

Regardless of the fear and anticipation that may sneak into their minds right before taking that first step, or doing that first flip, they still pull through and with flying colors. This is their job and what they live for.

"I just love to be up in the air, it gives me freedom. You get a little fear and that's what makes me want to do it. You are higher than anyone else and I just love it -- that's just aerialists," Roukhmanova said.

Performers feed off the attention from the crowds. The cheering and screaming, the laughs and smiles, and the absolute certainty that they made someone's day that much brighter, keeps the spirit of not only the performers alive, but the circus alive as well.

"When kids tell me they wish to be ringmaster it hits my heart because that's exactly how I felt when I was a kid. You have to love it. If you don't like what you do you can't survive," Connors said.