While most people only ever dream about being a part of the circus, Maria Dominguez actually lives the fantasy. She is a part of the high wire act, the Lopez Troupe, with the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus, coming to Macon beginning Thursday.

“This is our second season with the Ringling Brothers. We feel that this is time is very special for us,” Dominguez said. “We are putting on three different acts for the fans. The first is a high wire walker who is 21 feet in the air with no safety wire and no net. The second is a set of three motorcycles in a ball. We are the only group doing three motorcycles and they are all traveling at high speeds. This is the act that I am part of and not many women do this. The last act is very high adrenaline -- knife throwing!”

Dominguez married into the Lopez Troupe, but said that she has always enjoyed the rush of dangerous activities.

“I trained for a year on the motorcycle before I ever even attempted the act and then I had to practice for another year before I was a part of the act,” she said.

Like all of the acts within the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus, the Lopez Troupe focuses on “high quality, high intensity, high emotion, high adrenaline and full danger,” Dominguez said. “There are acts from all over the world, from Mexico to Russia. Everyone is the best at what they do.”

In addition to the performances, the circus will have all the animals fans have come to love and expect.

“Something that a lot of people don’t know, is that for an hour before the show, your ticket will get you into a pre-party,” Dominguez said. “You can meet the performers and the animals -- the elephants, the big cat, the horses, the dogs and more. It’s a big success with kids.”

Dominguez and her family offer their audience the chance to learn some of their act.

“We put up a low wire and teach people how to walk on it,” she said. “The kids love it. And don’t worry parents, we will teach you, too! You can also dance, see the costumes up close and maybe even try some on. It’s a really good time, I promise. You definitely don’t want to miss that part of the show!”

For the performers, the party offers a secondary benefit.

“We are so excited to get to meet the people in Macon,” Dominguez said. “We have never been there before, but everyone tells us how nice the people are. We will have a few days to be there and meet people and we are looking forward to that the most. We want to tell everyone to come out and have a good time.”

The tour coming through Macon, called “Fully Charged, Gold Edition,” will offer attendees the chance to experience everything that the circus is famous for, from high wire walkers, to an excellent and entertaining ring master, to clowns, contortionists and more. There is a reason that the circus is called “The Greatest Show on Earth.”

Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus

When: 7 p.m. Thursday and Feb. 1-2; 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Feb. 2; 1 p.m. Feb. 3

Where: Macon Coliseum, 200 Coliseum Drive

Cost: Adults $22-$37, children $12-$37

Information: www.ringling.com