Reunion tour brings global talents to town

By Taylor Mayad

Flying acrobats, stunts that defy the laws of physics, colorful costumes, fire breathers, stilt dancers and the ultimate pageantry and flare. Celebrating 30 years under the big top, UniverSoul Circus returns to Dallas with its show-stopping cultural extravaganza July 25-Aug. 11 at Red Bird Mall (3662 Camp Wisdom Rd, Dallas, Texas 75237). 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 more than 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 connects us all 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 new additions include a one-of-a-kind flying trapeze act with 18 people flying 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. 

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. Other popular moments will include Sifiso Kamela, aka “Whistle Man,” from South Africa. 

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. Go to universoulcircus.com.

  Featured