Dog dancing is coming to central Illinois.  Yes, you read that right.  The Cirque Du Canines show is taking their act to the Kirkland Fine Arts Center at Millikin University.  They have a performance scheduled for Saturday, September 20 from 2-4 p.m.  On the human side, two lifelong performers lead the charge, bringing about surprises of all kinds at their shows.  Some dogs in the shows have appeared on America’s Got Talent, and they all perform wacky routines which are enjoyable for both the audience and themselves. 

Michelle Harrell is one of the human performers.  She ran her own dog dancing shows for close to 20 years before beginning a collaboration with Gail Mirabella.  Mirabella previously toured with the original Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus until it closed in 2017.  Harrell hopes the performance at Millikin will not only entertain spectators but also inspire them.

The show lasts around an hour and 15 minutes and includes a 15-minute intermission.  No two tricks during the show are the same. 

So what exactly is dog dancing?  Harrell says her routines are centered around dances that humans do, while incorporating tricks for the dogs.

These performances leave the crowd awestruck, but there also is a good cause tied in with the Cirque Du Canines endeavor.  Some dogs they have used are rescues.  Other dogs they have rescued but not featured in the show have found loving homes thanks to their good deeds.

More information on Cirque Du Canines is available at www.cirqueducanines.com.

Michelle Harrell appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show.