The diverse performances by the Monte Carlo Circus include spectacular evening shows that feature dangerous acrobatics and stunts with swords.

With many European-based circuses closing due to rising costs, waning interest and governmental red tape, the Monte Carlo Circus has gone farther afield to entertain audiences.

Jarda Ross is a magician who doubles as a popcorn stand vendor at the Monte Carlo Circus. His family founded the circus in Italy in the 1800s.

The Monte Carlo Circus also visited Al Ain, Sharjah and Dubai in the early 1990s.

A number of local schools brought schoolchildren to enjoy daytime performances.

The first performance of the Monte Carlo Circus on the Qawasim Corniche in Ras al Khaimah drew 1,300 spectators.

The troupe recently endured 24-hour military guard during a stop in Basra, Iraq, before shows in Egypt and here in the calm of the UAE.

The performers hail from Colombia, the Czech Republic, Italy, Morocco, Moldavia, Romania and Tunisia and have a support staff of about 20, who communicate in English and Italian.

Tradition is important and overall the acts have changed little in the five generations since the Rossi family presented its first show.

The recent uprising in Egypt kept the lions and a tiger from leaving with the rest of the troupe due to paperwork complications. The animals and their trainer arrived in the UAE in early March.