Jordan World Circus

The term “circus” conjures images of the bizarre, the astonishing and the whimsical, of costumed performers attempting perilous tricks with a sense of otherworldly calm.

But for Delisa Jordan, marketing director for Jordan World Circus, it conjures memories of family.

“We grew up on the road,” said Jordan, 54, whose father founded the performance troupe in 1988.

She spent her childhood surrounded by acrobats, tigers and stuntmen and went on to become a trapeze artist. Although she enjoyed the excitement of the circus, the best part was spending every day with family, she said.

“It’s a great business to raise a family in because your family’s with you all the time.”

Jordan said her mother started performing at 13 for the Flying Wallendas, a troupe famous for daredevil stunts. Her father performed on the high wire there in his teens, and the two married at 18 and 19.

Attendees of Jordan Circus can expect to see limber acrobats at tonight’s performance. (Special to the American Press)

Jordan abandoned life on the road when she was 30. But if she could do it over, she said, she would raise her daughter in a circus troupe, as she was raised.

“If I had to do it all over again, I would go back on the road and raise her there,” she said. “It’s just a whole different type of lifestyle, and it’s a good lifestyle.”

Her brother now runs the business while she promotes the shows — what she calls “front-end” work. She said the tour runs January through November and rarely lets up. 

Despite the long hours and training, she said, the performers seem happy with their occupation. “It’s what they do. They enjoy it.”

Regarding the use of circus animals, a contentious topic that has drawn criticism from animal welfare organizations, Jordan said the animals are treated like “part of the family.” 

“I think they have a great life,” she said. “Everybody’s welcome to come in the back and see how they’re all treated.”

A crew of performers — human and otherwise — will descend

 on the Lake Charles area today, bringing their traveling three-ring circus to Burton Coliseum.

Attendees of Jordan Circus can expect to see trained tigers at tonight’s performance. (Special to the American Press)

Saturn Garcia will shoot out of a cannon, motorcycles will ride inside a steel globe and acrobats will perform in midair, Jordan said. Trainers will guide the tigers, elephants and dogs through their routines.  

Jordan said residents will also have a chance to ride elephants, ponies and camels. Face painting, snow cones, cotton candy and inflatable slides will also be on hand.

Tickets are $15 for children and $19 for adults. They will be available today starting at 9 a.m. at the Burton Coliseum box office on the west side of the building, directly behind the statue. Doors will open at 6 p.m. and the show will begin at 7 p.m. 

l

For more information, visit burtoncomplexevents.com or call 721-4090.