We all saw it. Lady swinging from the bar over the mall, falling while shoppers watched. I saw the headlines but didn't want to watch the clip until my daughter assured me they didn't show her actually hitting the floor. She didn't really get hurt, either, she said. YouTube had it on video. So I watched.

The horror of every high wire act. Falling without a net. She missed a hand hold, her leg went out and it was over. When we watch anyone on a tightrope, swinging from the rafters, even someone of a unicycle, we hold our breathes. At least I do. Disaster just up ahead? Please don't fall.

Then I realized that this wasn't something that had happened somewhere else, back east, some foreign country, but at the Beverly Center Mall, two blocks away. So yesterday, knowing it would be busy, I walked over there. Would there still be a show? Or was it just too risky for Christmas shoppers to watch?

Guess not. The show must go on, and it did. Four ladies, shapely, blond, dressed in red sequenced bathing suits, (Helene Madison one piece; am I dating myself?), and a husky young Mr Santa. It was like Circus Circus, but they have nets. No nets here. I though as I looked down from the third level, how could someone fall and live? I was amazed. 100- 130 foot drop, a restaurant and bar directly below. How could she still be alive?

Cellphones were out, cameras, kids running. The five rode down the escalator, then hooked onto wires that took them up. Lights showed their shadows against the large inner wall. Same thrill under the big top. But without the net, I was nervous. What was going through the minds of the performers? I'm sure they had seen the video too.

Shame they only showed the fall on the YouTube videos. Not how they performed. It was magnificent. I felt small watching. Such a brave, courageous bunch. Talk about some very risky business!

The finale, they twisted the rope around their waists and fell, spinning as they went down, right to the floor, jumping up with large smiles. My stomach was in my throat.

They were so impressive that two guys at the bar, nachos and beer, who were watching the Giants vs Cowboys on the wide screen, believe it or not, stopped and actually looked up.

After the show, Mr. Santa, unhooked himself from the wire, and posed for pictures. White beard, fat belly, HO HO HO? Not this Santa. This adult Santa wore a vest instead of a coat, showing off some very serious abs, which attracted a long line of young ladies, and some not so young, anxious for pictures. Guess Santa's not just for kids anymore. Lots of laughter and giggles. Everyone was in the festive spirit of Christmas.

After this performance, anyway.