The UniverSoul Circus, now in its 24th season, is back in town! Kicking off the first set of shows at Floyd Bennet Field in Brooklyn. Of course, Beauty and the Bump had the opportunity to experience one of its first shows under the Big Top this past weekend.
Circuses are always a fun time for the entire family, but there is something about the UniverSoul Circus that makes it a lot more fun. It is an interactive show full of surprises, cultural experiences, and hair-raising acts. My six-year-old daughter and almost-three-year-old nephew sang, clapped and danced for most of the performances. The big kid in my sister and me enjoyed the UniverSoul Circus as well.
Ringmaster Lucky Malatsi of South Africa, shined as a ringmaster. He has some serious dance moves, and I was surprised to see him working the giant steel wheel like a pro. What am I talking about? He is a pro! He’s been with UniverSoul Circus since he was 12 (he’s now 27) in a wide range of capacities– from Contortionist and Hip Hop dancer to Trapeze Artist. He was just a glimpse of all of the talent we would see during this 2-hour show.
There were so many entertaining acts at the UniverSoul Circus, like The Fresh Clownnss, that kept the entire audience energized and wanting more, but of course, we have our favorites.
We all absolutely loved Xtreme Bikes, a team of three men from Chicago and upstate New York that perform insane Freestyle Motorcross stunts. My jaw dropped every single time one of them flew from outside of the Big Top into the air while doing a trick on their bike. It was beyond insane.
The Bone Breaking Contortionists from Guinea had me in awe. The way these young men bent and twisted their bodies was intriguing in an abnormal way. We were all in shock.
The Aerial Silks act, which featured aerialist reigning from Shenyang, China, was beautiful and elegant. I loved how the aerialist’s performance lead to the creation of a visual of a chandelier. It was quite impressive.
When you attend the UniverSoul Circus, know that it is an interactive show. You may find yourself in the ring participating in a dance battle. Yes, mom and dad, you may get yourself involved in a dance battle that will either embarrass your kids or make them proud. The kids are cute, and the adults are hilarious. If dancing is not your thing, you may like playing with one of the huge beach balls they toss into the crowd. Or would you prefer having a spotlight shone on you while Zeke! Zeke and friends serenade you? All of this and more can happen under the Big Top at the UniverSoul Circus. Just be prepared to enjoy it and have fun! We did.
Note: Some music and acts may be suitable for mature audiences only.
Be sure to catch one of the many UniverSoul Circus performances taking place in Brooklyn, Queens, Newark, and for the first time ever, in Mount Vernon, NY.
UniverSoul Circus plays Brooklyn
Wednesday, March 29 thru Sunday, April 16
Floyd Bennett Field @ Aviator Sports (Just down from Kings Plaza Mall)
3159 Flatbush Ave.
Brooklyn, NY 11234
Note: Free shuttle bus service will be available from Junction / Flatbush Ave. subway stop. FREE PARKING!
UniverSoul Circus plays Queens (38 shows)
Wednesday, April 19 thru Sunday, May 7
Roy Wilkins Park, Merrick Blvd. and Baisley Blvd., Jamaica, NY 11434
UniverSoul Circus Plays Newark, NJ (13 shows)
Tuesday, May 9 thru Sunday, May 14
430 Broad St.
Newark, NJ 07102
(Across from Broad Street Train Station. Next to the Old Riverfront Bears Stadium)
UniverSoul Circus Plays Mount Vernon, NY for the first time (26 shows)
Tuesday, May 16 thru Monday, May 29
Hutchinson Field, 655 Garden Ave.,
Mount Vernon, NY 10550
Visit http://www.universoulcircus.com for more info, ticket prices, show times, and schedules. Ticket prices range from $16 through $40. Prices vary by venue and by day.
Tickets are on sale now at Ticketmaster.com or call 1-800-653-8000 or 866-448-7849.