Circus evolves amid market, regulatory challenges

VIENNA, Va. (AP) -April 7, 2012 (WPVI) -- The circus has been around for centuries and epitomizes traditional family entertainment.

At Vienna, Va.-based Feld Entertainment, the challenge has been to balance tradition and innovation. Feld owns the Ringling Bros. and Barnum and Bailey Circus - billed The Greatest Show on Earth.

Over the years, the Feld family has made changes that have alienated some traditionalists, such as eliminating the three-ring format. But sisters Nicole and Alana Feld, who produce the circus, say they try to walk a tightrope between innovating and maintaining traditions.

Feld has also diversified beyond its longstanding circus and Disney on Ice shows. The company has been expanding into motorsports since 2008 and also puts on monster truck and motocross shows.

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