New York kids we're looking for you

Ringmaster Tony Tone (front) and his sidekick Zeke at a recent UniverSoul show.

Step right up ... and then get down. The UniverSoul Circus is coming to town.

Fueled by a hip-hop, R&B and gospel soundtrack, the one-ring show arrives on Wednesday for a five-week stint in Brooklyn's Prospect Park, Roy Wilkins Park in Queens and Orchard Beach in the Bronx.

"It's a party circus," says Nicolle A. Munroe, 40, of Brooklyn, who first attended last year with family and plans to return this spring.

"It's an opportunity to not just see a show, but to have a good time participating in it, getting all hyped and excited. The music they play is part of the daily lives of people who live in Brooklyn. This circus caters to the multitude of cultures with soul."

Incorporating hits by stars such as Rihanna, Soulja Boy, OutKast and Alicia Keys, UniverSoul wins points for being hip, wrangling an audience that may not otherwise be interested in an attraction that dates back to ancient Rome.

"We are the hip-hop generation," says UniverSoul founder Cedric Walker, who got his start staging music and gospel theater shows.

"We [reflect] the music, the fashion, the energy that transcends global culture. The young generation generally entertains itself with video games and various technologies, but the spirit of our show gets their attention."

Once a platform to showcase African-American entertainers, UniverSoul now incorporates international acts from as far away as China (acrobats), Guinea (contortionists) and Russia (swings). Unlike arena-style events packed with nosebleed seats, no audience member is farther than 50 feet away under this tent. (Three lucky New York children can get even closer; visit www.universoulcircus.com for details on how to win a spot performing in the ring.)

Celebrating its 15th anniversary, UniverSoul's theme this year is jabulani, the Zulu word for "joy, happiness and laughter."

"That's what we're bringing under the big top," says Ameera Diamond, who does daring tricks on horses and is married to El Niche, the tiger trainer. But she's quick to note that the five boroughs bring jabulani, too.

"The New York audience has a great vibe, and are very honest. If we're not bringing it, they'll let us know."




We are kicking off a contest in NYC and will be looking for kids to be a part of our 15th Anniversary show while we are in the area starting Wednesday, March 26!

All we need is a clip of their incredible act and they could win a spot in the show and a fun night for their family and friends.

You can find out how to enter here: http://universoulcircus.com/kidsearch/

In the meantime check out two of our amazing UniverSoul kids, Helene and Norbert who are 11 and 12 year old contortionists from Africa.