(Photo by Annika Cline - KJZZ)

Haylee Daugherty will perform an aerial act while blindfolded in the Gaslight Circus show, "Noir."

Gather under the big top, popcorn in one hand, cotton candy in the other, and prepare to be amazed by daring acrobatics and feats of strength!

That is the circus archetype, but circus has since gone to new heights — just look at the wildly popular Cirque du Soleil shows.

They’ve still got that wow factor, but there are other emotions at play in circus acts today. Performances are filled with ups and downs, just like life.

That’s what one local circus troupe tries to bring out in its performances. Each act is part of a larger story, like a circus within a play.

Aerialist Hayleigh Daugherty decided to use a very personal experience in her next act.

The Gaslight Circus will perform Saturday at the Alwun House. 

EDITOR'S NOTE: This story has been modified to correct the spelling of Hayleigh Daugherty's name.