Sometimes people live their whole lives without finding out what it is they want to do for a living.
Dean Kelley, a clown with the Ringling Brothers & Barnum and Bailey Circus, knew he wanted to be a clown at the early age of four. The circus had come to town and he went to go see the show under the big top.
From that point he said he knew he was destined to be a clown. Although his family didn’t think he was serious, he didn’t give up on his dream. His family thought he would grow out of it, but that never happened. Whenever the circus would come to town, Kelley said he would go to every show and even buy movies from the souvenir stand take them home and study the clown acts.
“They were my idols,” he said. Several years later and 15 years into his clowning career he said he enjoys every bit of it and he has been with Ringling for four years.
“I get paid to play and tour the country while I work. I wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world,” he said.
Many people might not know that it takes more than being funny to be a clown. Kelley can juggle, walk on a ball and do other tricks, but that’s not the most important quality in his opinion.
“The biggest thing about being a clown is the ability to evoke emotion from your audience. You can be the best juggler in the world, but if you can’t make a connection with your audience it doesn’t matter,” he said.
Circus goers had a chance to get up close and personal with the circus staff as the show visited Florence. Kelley said he really likes this show because it’s an intimate show. There is one ring and the performers are so close.
In addition to the show, all of the performers participate in the pre-show which is open to all ticket holders. The pre-show allows kids of all ages to meet the performers, dance and even learn a circus trick or two.
Kelley also hosts the show and helps get things going by introducing the performers and even sparking an impromptu group dance session.
The Ringling Brothers & Barnum and Bailey Circus presents its final show today at Florence Civic Center.
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