Thrills and chills as the ‘Cirkus’ returns to Montague Street

Gravity seemed to be suspended on Sunday as Bindlestiff Family Cirkus performer Dia Seskin floated over Montague Street. Photo: Mary Frost, Brooklyn Eagle

BROOKLYN HEIGHTS — The Bindlestiff Family Cirkus’ “ Flatbed Follies” traveling show returned to Brooklyn Heights on Sunday, thrilling hundreds who packed Montague Street. The nonprofit troupe of clowns, jugglers, acrobats and musicians wowed both kids and grown-ups like local resident Neil, who said, “I’ve never seen anything like that!”

Cirkus cast members performing Sunday included Ringmaster Miss YaYa, hand-stand artist Dia Seskin, juggler Diabolo Archie (aka Argenis Ramlogan), “Paris the Hip Hop Juggler,” plate spinner (and co-founder) Keith Nelson, Hula Hoop/aerial lyra performer Ellie Steingraebe, clown Ambrose Martos and chair-stacking acrobat Ryan Shinji Murray.

Keith Nelson had the crowd gasping as he kept eight plates spinning on thin sticks — and in between spins, flipped silverware into eight glass drinking glasses. Photo: Mary Frost, Brooklyn Eagle

The performance was part of Montague’s Open Streets series of events. Councilmember Lincoln Restler sponsored the troupe, and also managed a compost giveaway and live music by singer-songwriter Hillary Powell and the JAW kids band. Restler also teamed up with Saint Ann’s Church to bring a blood drive to the street.

Car-free Montague Open Streets is sponsored by the Montague Street BID, Brooklyn Heights Association and the city’s Department of Transportation.

Ellie Steingraeber, master of Hula Hoops and aerial lyra. Photo: Mary Frost, Brooklyn Eagle
Kids in the crowd on Montague Street danced along with Bindlestiff Family Cirkus Ringmaster Miss YaYa. Photo: Mary Frost, Brooklyn Eagle
Diabolo Archie (aka Argenis Ramlogan) demonstrated his diabolo, aka Chinese yoyo. Photo: Mary Frost, Brooklyn Eagle
Gravity seemed to be suspended on Sunday as Bindlestiff Family Cirkus performer Dia Seskin floated over Montague Street. Photo: Mary Frost, Brooklyn Eagle
Paris the Hip Hop Juggler paid tribute to Brooklyn as he juggled. Photo: Mary Frost, Brooklyn Eagle
Also on Montague Street, Brooklyn singer-songwriter Hillary Powell entertained with folk and and Americana music. Photo: Mary Frost, Brooklyn Eagle
Ellie Steingraeber, master of Hula Hoops and aerial lyra. Photo: Mary Frost, Brooklyn Eagle
Councilmember Lincoln Restler with baby Elliot in front of the Bindlestiff Family Cirkus’ flatbed stage. Restler sponsored Sunday’s performance. Photo: Mary Frost, Brooklyn Eagle
Ellie Steingraeber does the impossible with countless Hula Hoops. Photo: Mary Frost, Brooklyn Eagle
The Greatest Show on Montague Street! Kate Chura, Montague BID’s executive director, with Cirkus performer Ellie Steingraeber. Photo: Mary Frost, Brooklyn Eagle
Gravity seemed to be suspended on Sunday as Bindlestiff Family Cirkus performer Dia Seskin floated over Montague Street. Photo: Mary Frost, Brooklyn Eagle
Keith Nelson, co-founder of Bindlestiff Family Cirkus with Stephanie Monseu, brought a dash of vaudeville to Sunday’s show. Photo: Mary Frost, Brooklyn Eagle