There’s lots on tap under this big top. Aquatic circus to make a splash in Palmetto

An aquatic-themed circus show will make a splash in Palmetto this weekend as daring acts interweave with water.

Lots and lots of water.

The specially built stage used in Cirque Italia’s Water Circus holds 35,000 gallons of the stuff. Timed sprays and downpours meet light displays for a shimmering backdrop as circus artists perform their craft.

The traveling circus has a silver unit and a larger gold unit, which is the one stopping in Palmetto.

The Water Circus will present a new 2020 show called “Aqua.” In it, audiences will be led on a journey around the globe with stops in Mexico, France, Japan and other countries, according to a press release.

Acts include contortion, high wire, aerial silks, gymnastics, juggling and a “wheel of death.”

Cirque Italia is a Sarasota-based company, but it scouts far and wide for its talent.

Performers in the show hail from Argentina, Brazil and Romania, among other countries.

The big top is set up in front of Riviera Dunes Marina at 102 Riviera Dunes Way, Palmetto.

The aquatic show is just one way that Cirque Italia is taking the concept of circus in new directions. In 2018, the company brought part-circus, part-horror cabaret Paranormal Cirque to Palmetto.

The company’s founder, Italian-born Manuel Rebecchi, at the time told the Bradenton Herald that he started Cirque Italia in 2012 with a desire to bring the elegance of European circus to U.S. audiences.

The Water Circus is family-friendly and animal-free.

Tickets are available for purchase online, by phone or on site at the box office. The circus offers one free child admission for every adult ticket purchased in select seating levels.

Details: 7:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday; 1:30 p.m., 4:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, 1:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. Sunday. 102 Riviera Dunes Way, Palmetto. $10-$50.

Info: 941-704-8572. cirqueitalia.com.