The WonderCircus Parade is a live street performance stylistically inspired by a 1920’s burlesque circus and narratively inspired by Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. This parade is a spectacular blend of classic Wonderland whimsy and dazzling 1920’s circus grandeur, full of color, movement, and light!

Parade Float Visual Development

Character Visual Development

Costume Visual Development

Script

INTRODUCTION: ALICE’S CHASE

Alice chases the White Rabbit through the parade route, their costumes vibrant against the sepia-toned performers around them.

FLOAT 1: THE RABBIT HOLE FLOAT

A massive, shattered-glass gateway marks the transition between reality and Wonderland. The front side of the float remains sepia-toned, depicting the real world, while the other bursts into vivid, whimsical colors. (The front side also holds a marquee of the title logo for the parade) As the float passes, projection mapping changes the buildings along the street, immersing the audience in Wonderland. Streetlights flicker and shift hues, completing the transformation.

TRANSITION PERFORMANCE: CIRCUS MADNESS

A flurry of burlesque-styled clowns floods the street, performing madcap acrobatics and dizzying dances. Their whimsical antics usher in the next spectacle.

FLOAT 2 & 3: THE ’TWIN TRAMPOLINE STUNTS

Two identical floats drive side by side, connected by nearly invisible safety nets. Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum execute breathtaking trampoline stunts, leaping between floats in perfectly mirrored choreography. Their antics are chaotic, yet perfectly synchronized, embodying Wonderland’s topsy-turvy nature.

TRANSITION PERFORMANCE: FLOWER PERFORMERS

A wave of floral-themed dancers fills the street, their movements sultry and elegant. They twirl and sway in vibrant petals, ushering in the next float.

FLOAT 4: THE MAD TEA PARTY FLOAT

A tilted tea-table stage brims chaos. The Mad Hatter juggles spinning plates, balances on high stools, and engages in mind-bending acrobatics.

TRANSITION PERFORMANCE: INSECT PERFORMERS

Performers dazzle the crowd with sleight-of-hand tricks, burlesque dance routines, and mind-bending illusions. Their lively appearances prepare the audience for the surreal wonder of the next float.

FLOAT 5: THE CATERPILLAR’S CHRYSALIS FLOAT

This float transforms into a mystical forest scene, flickering under black light effects. Insect contortionists mimic cocoons emerging into life. The Caterpillar looms over the display, dancing with ethereal rings of smoke.

TRANSITION PERFORMANCE: CHESHIRE MASQUERADE

Dancers dressed as wild animals and insects from the previous scene now don masquerade masks and burlesque ball attire. Black light accents their costumes, shifting their presence between the darkness and light. Their regal movements lead the way to the grand finale. The Cheshire Cat leads them along the parade route.

FLOAT 6: QUEENIE’S BIG TOP CASTLE FLOAT

The Queen of Hearts, lead by her Royal Brigade, is the star of the grand finale. She dazzles atop a heart-shaped hoop, spinning effortlessly in the air. The float is a spectacle of golden lights, towering big-top castle spires, and extravagant acrobatic performances. As the float moves on, the lighting projections begin to fade, slowly returning the buildings to their normal state. A final shower of sparkling effects cascades down, signaling Wonderland’s retreat and the return to reality.

Skills Used: