It is the only logical explanation. How many humans do you know who can do this?
![TOTEM_planking](http://blog.sandiego.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/TOTEM_planking-456x600.jpg)
Okay, okay. By now the world is familiar with superhuman feats and otherworldly costumes made famous by Cirque du Soleil. But as, dare I say, commonplace as such extreme physical feats have become, seeing Cirque du Soleil’s TOTEM (now through May 27, 2012) in person is as thrilling and overwhelming as if a blue and yellow spaceship landed smack dab in the middle of the Del Mar Fairgrounds carrying sparkly, limber, flying aliens.
![TOTEM_GalaxyGirls](http://blog.sandiego.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/TOTEM_GalaxyGirls-399x600.jpg)
In other words, Go! Spend the money. Get the babysitter. Bring the kids. Whatever you have to do. TOTEM is a “fascinating journey into the evolution of mankind” told through a woven tapestry of multi-cultural mythology and overarching symbols, and there is no group more suited to tell the story of human progress than one dedicated to the limitlessness of corporeal potential.
![TOTEM_trapeze](http://blog.sandiego.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/TOTEM_trapeze.jpg)
While every piece is filled with entertainment, from the terrifying balancing acts to the hilarious clown interludes, the stand-out performance is, hands down, the double trapeze. Going beyond the expected acrobatics, the high-flying couple climbed, spun, dropped, swung, pushed, pulled, twirled and contorted their way through a flirtatious, aerial battleground to end lovingly in one another’s arms. It was simply stunning, beautifully choreographed and extremely touching.
Insider Tip: Plan for Traffic!
I gave myself 40 minutes to get there from downtown and was almost late due to the greater-than-normal traffic exiting Villa de la Valle from 5 North. I was so worried about being locked out of the Grand Chapiteau for the first act (where the Crystal Man appears to light the world!) I ran as fast as I could in my heels (What was I was thinking? Dressing up for the circus? Bad idea) practically forcing my way in to the tent. Talk about classy. I just really love the circus. Unless you want to be that girl, I suggest leaving yourself ample time and wearing appropriate clothing. Lesson learned.