After taking kids Jayden James and Sean Preston on a ride around Central Park, Britney Spears played the first of three shows at Madison Square Garden in New York City last night. Needless to say, the ring leader has not missed a beat.

Here's Britney steaming up the stage in more ways than one ...

CALLIN' THE SHOTS: Let there be no doubt who the ring leader is.

Prior to the show, was spotted around the Big Apple giving out tickets to her concert. Britney then delighted the NYC masses with numerous costume changes and her hit songs as the exuberant crowd went absolutely wild.

Click to enlarge more Britney Spears Circus tour photos ...

[Photos: Splash News Online]