A touring big top without animal cruelty is coming to the Dallas area for the first time. Called The Venardos Circus, it's a California-based circus company with a classic red-and-white tent circus experience, but centered on human feats.

The circus will make a 12-day stop in the DFW area in Flower Mound from April 12-23.

Their uniqueness is drawn from their Broadway-style performances and reinvention of circus traditions without the use of animals. Founder Kevin Venardos was previously with Ringling Bros. before founding his own circus, which made its debut in 2014 at the L.A. County Fair.

"This is just the style of circus that I love, that I wanted to do,” Venardos told Channel 3000. “I love the singing and dancing. I love the story telling."

The 2023 tour, titled “Let’s Build a Dream,” comes with improvements to the way guests can view the acts. That includes a taller tent that affords a grander view of the aerialists as they perform, as well as a new central stage with expanded seating, while still retaining the intimate experience for which the Venardos Circus is known.

Their 16-show schedule is as follows:

• April 12-14 at 7 pm
• April 15 at 11 am, 2 pm, and 5 pm
• April 16 at 2 pm and 5 pm
• April 19-21 at 7 pm
• April 22 at 11 am, 2 pm, and 5 pm
• April 23 at 2 pm and 5 pm

Venardos, who serves as the circus’ ringmaster and producer, says in a statement that he and his team are thrilled to visit the Dallas-Fort Worth area for the first time.

“We love visiting our fans in Texas, typically near Houston and Austin, so we are excited to share our brand-new show with Flower Mound and the greater Dallas community,” he says.

The Venardos Circus will be located at The Promenade at the River Walk at 4400 River Walk Dr. Parking for the circus is free. General admission is $28, and $17 for 12 and under. Tickets can be found on tickets.venaradoscircus.com.