Circus Brings Soul to Richmond
Find out what you missed at last weekend's UniverSoul Circus.By Larisa Robinson
From: richmond.com
March 07, 2011
Lions, tigers and bears . . . Oh my.
Well, thre were no lions or bears, only tigers as part of this year's UniverSoul Circus that raced its way into Richmond Friday. The show brought new meaning to the words high-flying and death-defying, as South American tightrope walkers, El Salvadorian motorcyclists, Russian acrobats and Caribbean stilt-walkers wowed audiences.
The show, which started at 10:30 a.m. at Richmond's International Raceway, also featured an Ethiopian contortionist, Caribbean dancers, Chinese bicyclists, African elephants and a Chilean dog act.
Emanuel Spencer, a third year spectator, had his favorite picks of the year.
"I'm always really enthused by the motorcyclists," Spencer said. "The contortionist was great too."
The show's evolution keeps Spencer coming back year after year.
"It's something different every year," Spencer said. "It's an interactive family show and the best time you'll have at a circus."
Ringmaster Shuckey Duckey and his partner in circus crime, Zeke, led the crowd-pleasing show.
You won't find your typical Barnum and Bailey acts at the UniverSoul Circus. For almost 18 years, the UniverSoul Circus has combined music and international circus acts, bringing entertainment to audiences of all ages and colors.
Music has always been one of the biggest parts of the circus. The circus bases its acts on blend of yesterday’s and today's most popular hip hop, R&B, gospel, soul, jazz, pop and traditional international music.
Hermione White is the talent manager at the circus.
"The show changes its music according to how music changes in our community," White said.
Music isn't the only major component. Crowd participation is one reason the show has ranked as one of three best circuses in America, next to The Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey and Cirque du Soleil.
Shuckey Duckey, also a popular comedian, has been a part of the show since 2002. He said the show's ability to bridge the gap between young and old through crowd participation help make the show a success.
"It's fun, excitement, a lot of energy and interactive," Duckey said. "Very seldom can you find somewhere where you can bring adults and children together."
That success and togetherness has made the show go beyond being a national phenomenon. In 2001, the UniverSoul Circus traveled across the globe to South Africa.
Zeke, who's been a part of the show since its beginning in 1994, was honored by the experience.
"We got to perform for Nelson Mandela," Zeke said. "To go over there and see your own brothas and sistas enjoy the show is just awesome."
Audiences and performers alike expect the show to become even bigger globally. The show that Cedric Walker began in Atlanta in 1994 has already expanded into an international sensation, having more than 500 shows a year. With music and talent changing, "Hip Hop Under the Big Top" could evolve even more.
Well, thre were no lions or bears, only tigers as part of this year's UniverSoul Circus that raced its way into Richmond Friday. The show brought new meaning to the words high-flying and death-defying, as South American tightrope walkers, El Salvadorian motorcyclists, Russian acrobats and Caribbean stilt-walkers wowed audiences.
The show, which started at 10:30 a.m. at Richmond's International Raceway, also featured an Ethiopian contortionist, Caribbean dancers, Chinese bicyclists, African elephants and a Chilean dog act.
Emanuel Spencer, a third year spectator, had his favorite picks of the year."I'm always really enthused by the motorcyclists," Spencer said. "The contortionist was great too."
The show's evolution keeps Spencer coming back year after year.
"It's something different every year," Spencer said. "It's an interactive family show and the best time you'll have at a circus."
Ringmaster Shuckey Duckey and his partner in circus crime, Zeke, led the crowd-pleasing show.
You won't find your typical Barnum and Bailey acts at the UniverSoul Circus. For almost 18 years, the UniverSoul Circus has combined music and international circus acts, bringing entertainment to audiences of all ages and colors.
Music has always been one of the biggest parts of the circus. The circus bases its acts on blend of yesterday’s and today's most popular hip hop, R&B, gospel, soul, jazz, pop and traditional international music.
Hermione White is the talent manager at the circus.
"The show changes its music according to how music changes in our community," White said.
Music isn't the only major component. Crowd participation is one reason the show has ranked as one of three best circuses in America, next to The Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey and Cirque du Soleil.
Shuckey Duckey, also a popular comedian, has been a part of the show since 2002. He said the show's ability to bridge the gap between young and old through crowd participation help make the show a success.
"It's fun, excitement, a lot of energy and interactive," Duckey said. "Very seldom can you find somewhere where you can bring adults and children together."
That success and togetherness has made the show go beyond being a national phenomenon. In 2001, the UniverSoul Circus traveled across the globe to South Africa.
Zeke, who's been a part of the show since its beginning in 1994, was honored by the experience.
"We got to perform for Nelson Mandela," Zeke said. "To go over there and see your own brothas and sistas enjoy the show is just awesome."
Audiences and performers alike expect the show to become even bigger globally. The show that Cedric Walker began in Atlanta in 1994 has already expanded into an international sensation, having more than 500 shows a year. With music and talent changing, "Hip Hop Under the Big Top" could evolve even more.
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