Two dancers from the Chinese acrobatic circus

Two dancers from the Chinese acrobatic circus during a performance of Soul of China

Acrobatic artists prepare backstage before their performance at the Swiss National Circus Knie

Acrobatic artists prepare backstage before their performance at the Swiss National Circus Knie in Bern

Lions sit upright in a line as they perform

REUTERS PICTURES 

Lions sit upright in a line as they perform with Ukrainian circus artist Vladislav Goncharov during the dress rehearsal of the International Circus Festival in Budapest

Boston Press Photographers Association (BPPA) 2008 Still Photographer of the Year

Boston Press Photographers Association (BPPA) 2008 Still Photographer of the Year. Sixteen year-old Daniel Lloyd-Miller (L), fifteen year-old Jay Melogranno (C) and fifteen year-old Otto Briner work on a comedy routine with water at Circus Smirkus camp in Craftsbury Common, Vermont August 5, 2008. Circus Smirkus's advanced camp is a two week program for 14-18 year olds to improve their circus skills, including juggling, unicycling, aerials and acrobatics. 
Credit: REUTERS/Brian Snyder

Ana Julia Torres kisses Jupiter, a lion

Ana Julia Torres kisses Jupiter, a lion that was rescued from a circus ten years ago, in Cali, April 18, 2009.
Credit: REUTERS/Jaime Saldarriaga