Striking a Balance: The Show Must Go On

The young circus performer and his blatant disregard for ladder safety

The big top finally made its way back to St. Thomas, a community red flagged in the circle of circus performers since the incident with a beloved elephant some years ago. On opening night, community members old and young flocked to this attraction, all being welcomed with smiles and head nods by the circus troupe.

Micheal DiMesso, a local safety inspector, was in the audience enjoying the spectacle of human strength, coordination, and movement with his family. While watching the ladder balancing act, sandwiched between his 80 year old mother's hooting and his 5 year old grandson's squeals, his professional training kicked in with the realization that it was impossible that the young circus performer's ladder met the required regulation standards from his safety training. It was at that moment Mr. DiMasso leapt from his seat and rushed onto stage to take on the role of spotter for the young man. 

"I don't think the circus troupe ever expected someone from the audience to step up like I did, but in my line of work, safety comes first - not third like they tried to argue.  I am just happy I was at the show to ensure the young man wasn't endangering himself for our entertainment." Mr. Masseo reflected. 

Immediately following the show Mr. Masseo bought tickets for the remaining 10 scheduled performances to ensure he could attend and flex his safety muscle for the performers. The circus ring leader assured that his attendance would not be necessary. "We had to remove the act. No crowd wants to see someone using a ladder to code - it's preposterous. There is no art, no beauty, no intensity, when the stunt is performed that way.  It's bad for business."

As we enter the final weekend of the circus run, one act short, it is hard not to speculate that the Spirit of Jumbo is keeping a watchful eye, protecting his fellow circus performers here in the city where he saw his demise. St. Thomas shall go into the circus history books again, this time, for touting safety in an industry where entertainment was once king.

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