Those not familiar with “Circus Flora’s” creator David Balding might want to picture him as the Walt Disney of St. Louis.

Balding has been enchanting residents of St. Louis for more than 20 years. In that time, he has transformed the downtown area into magical worlds only described in bedtime stories or written about in fairy tales. For this summer’s production, the one-ring, European-style circus will journey into “Sherwood Forest,” as it portrays the classic tale of Robin Hood and his merry men. For Balding’s vivid imagination, the tale becomes a perfect showcase for a man who never quite left his childhood.

“I’ve wanted to do the story of Robin Hood for years,” Balding said. “The tale resonates down through the ages, thanks to the legendary themes of romance, action, humor, survival in the wilderness, triumph of right over might and nostalgia for [the long-gone] age of chivalry. But, most importantly, it’s fun.”

To Balding, the circus is an art form. In a world of prepackaged, computerized and commercialized material, Balding wants circus to be an experience that is as real as the actors themselves. Such an experience, he said, should be available to anyone who wants to take part in the fantasy.

“I . wanted to tell a story that was theatrical,” Balding said. “I wanted to get the audience involved and have them more appreciative of the acts.”

In the last few years, Circus Flora has become much more than an experience. The program has established the “Share the Circus” program, which gives tickets to less fortunate communities. Last year, by teaming up with a number of nonprofits, Circus Flora was able to bring the circus to more than 3,500 underpriviliged children.

Additionally, Circus Flora has developed a number of training classes designed to cultivate the values of self-esteem, trust and teamwork within the lives of children who come from backgrounds where those values aren’t recognized as important. In these classes, children learn juggling, tumbling, partner acrobatics and other useful skills.

With all of these programs and themes coming from Balding’s active imagination, it makes sense that he is fearful of imagination losing its place in the world.

“I think the ritual of people being together and enjoying live entertainment creates some sort of need that cannot be satisfied by a television screen or electronic device,” Balding said. “I’m not against the computer, but this is real what we’re doing, and the audience understands.”

Circus Flora’s inception took place on May 9, 1987, when the production was commissioned to perform at the celebration for the opening of the Carousel Building in St. Louis. Two years before, Balding had rescued an African elephant calf named “Flora,” from whom the Circus’ name originates.

Flora recently retired after performing as the primary elephant of the circus for 15 years and now comfortably resides in The Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee, all thanks to Balding.

Since its inception, Circus Flora has performed at Union Station, Forest Park, Queeny Park and Faust Park. Now, it calls Grand Center its home.

Although the circus originated in St. Louis, it still features acts from all over the world. Last year, the circus had 65 company members, 30 animals and 150 lighting instruments from various countries.

Featured in this year’s production is Cecil MacKinnon as Yo-Yo and the world-famous high-wire act, The Flying Wallendas. One of its members, Alex Wallenda, will play Robin Hood; playing Maid Marian is Claire Kuciejczyk-Kerman. Also featured will be the highly skilled Ianna Spirit Riders, performing amazing spectacles and feats on horseback, all within a single ring.

“Sherwood Forest” premieres June 5 and will run through June 22, under an air-conditioned tent equipped with new seating that allows audience members to never be further than 42 feet from the performance ring. Tickets are on sale now.

Flora’s ensemble will undoubtedly bring the tale of Robin Hood to life with its technical wizardry in acrobatics, antics and music.

“Robbing [of] the rich and giving to the poor has always been attractive to us,” Balding said. “It’s a myth that has stayed with us forever.”