Enjoyed by more than 25 million people from around the world, UniverSoul Circus features superstars from five continents, blending the thrills of jaw-dropping stunts with culture, comedy, dance, world music and more for an unforgettable family-fun experience
ST. LOUIS (Aug. 14, 2024) – Flying acrobats, gravity-defying stunts, fire breathers, stilt dancers and the ultimate pageantry and flare! Celebrating 30 years as one of America’s top live events, UniverSoul Circus returns to St. Louis with its show-stopping international extravaganza Aug. 16-Sept. 2 under the big top next to The Dome at America’s Center (1111 N. Broadway, St. Louis, MO 63101).
The interactive “Family Reunion Tour” will bring together big names from five continents all backed by the infectious beat of world music including sounds and dance styles spanning the African diaspora.
Reimagined with over a dozen culturally diverse performances under a sparkling new big top, UniverSoul features never-before-seen acts from Ethiopia, the Dominican Republic and Mongolia plus an 18-person flying trapeze act from China.
“Our special presentation of ‘Cousins Around the World’ celebrates a global community that strives to connect our hearts in a more inclusive society,” said UniverSoul founder and CEO Cedric Walker. “United in the spirit of family, we strongly believe that soul is not a color; it’s an experience.”
Enjoyed by more than 25 million people from around the world, UniverSoul Circus’ highly interactive combination of circus arts, theater and music spans genres including pop, classic R&B, Latin, hip hop, jazz and gospel. Rated as one of the top live family acts in America along with Cirque du Soleil, UniverSoul’s fresh approach to family-friendly live entertainment has garnered it a coveted spot as one of Ticketmaster’s top 10 most requested family events.
At UniverSoul Circus, the audience is part of the show, and everyone gets to participate. Whether playing “Simon Says,” showing off their Swag Surf dance moves or singing in the “Soul Karaoke” spotlight, the patrons take the spotlight. Fresh the Clowns choose kids from the seats for the Big Top Kids Dance contest, and the entire tent gets to play as the beach balls bounce overhead.
“UniverSoul Circus is presented in a brand-new custom big top imported from Italy, enhanced with advanced state-of-the-art lighting, and a sound system that moves and grooves as if it were the show itself,” Walker added.
New world-class artists this year include the enchanting Power of Love duo ballerina act from Mongolia who performs ballet on the shoulders and back of her male partner; the soul-stirring African Dream hoop divers from Addis Abba Ethiopia; and the beautiful Ethiopian female duo Morning Dove with their stunning aerial contortion acrobatic act.
Other additions include a one-of-a-kind flying trapeze act with 18 people soaring in air between three positions on multiple cues; an exciting, styled teeterboard act from Ethiopia; a tantalizing strong-man hand-balance duo called Double Vision from the Dominican Republic; and a dynamic twirling Cuban-Caribbean dance party and roller skating-themed spectacular.
The fan favorites – Caribbean Street Carnival – will bring flair with 20-foot dancing puppets, fire-blowing stilt dancers, authentic folklore characters and dancers from almost every Caribbean Island. The kid-friendly, hip-hop dancing Fresh the Clowns will turn up the crowd with the hottest dance moves, while the extremely dangerous wheel of death stunt masters will have crowds on the edge of their seats as they flip, dive and jump on a fast-moving pendulum 60 feet in the air.
Other popular moments will include Sifiso Kamela, aka “Whistle Man,” from South Africa who will engage the audience with his hilarious boxing clown skit, the ringmaster/comedian Donald “N.O.” Long from New Orleans, plus UniverSoul’s original Zander “Zeke” Charles from Atlanta and its newest foxy dancer, Bella, from Trinidad.
UniverSoul has always engaged heavily in the community. As part of its “Community Welcome” program, UniverSoul has worked closely with Mr. Gary, the King of Hospitality, to connect with several organizations. They include Jack and Jill St. Louis, The Divine Nine, St. Louis Legacy Coalition, Southside Senior & Wellness Center, Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis, East St. Louis School District, Lincoln University of Missouri, Prince Hall Masons, Eastern Stars, St. Louis Board of Alderman and elected officials, St. Louis Police Department, Annie Malone Foundation, Urban League of Greater Metropolitan St. Louis, Harris-Stowe State University, Metro East 618 Leadership, University City School District, Jennings School District, Hazelwood School District, NAACP St. Louis/St. Louis County Chapters, Pastors United and La Noche de la Cultura.
Also, First Responders and Healthcare Day was supported by St. Louis Police Chief Robert J. Tracy, St. Louis Fire Department Chief Dennis Jenkerson and Affinia Healthcare.
Tickets are $25 and up at ticketmaster.com. Performances are at 7 p.m. on Thursdays and Fridays; noon, 3:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. on Saturdays; noon, 3 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. on Sundays; plus, two culminating shows on Monday, Sept. 2 (Labor Day) at noon and 4 p.m. Parking is $15 per vehicle and $50 per bus.
SPECIAL OFFER: While supplies last, GovX members – including current and former U.S. military, military families, law enforcement, firefighters, first responders, government employees and teachers – receive 25% off tickets to select shows. Details can be found at universoulcircus.com/stlouis.
Go to universoulcircus.com for more info, ticket prices, show times and schedules. Follow UniverSoul on Facebook @UniverSoulcircus, Twitter @UniverSoulCirc and Instagram @UniverSoulCircus.
