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Get Ready! Get Ready! UniverSoul Returning To Area

By Lendora Washington

NJG Summer Intern

Senior, Howard University

   The UniverSoul Circus, the only African American owned circus in the country, will arrive in the Hampton Roads come May 19th. The UniverSoul Circus will arrive weeks before its official show dates of June 10th to June 15th to ensure residents don't miss out on the unique circus experience.
   “We will be visiting senior homes, day care centers and churches to let people know the circus is here,” said Sylvester Burton, National Tour Promoter.
    Jabulani, this year's UniverSoul Circus show, will provide another year of both unforgettable and exhilarating performances.
   “Jabulani is from the South African Zulu language meaning joy, happiness, laughter,” said Trania Charles, Marketing Director for The UniverSoul Circus. “We call it that because it's what we represent.”
    Named one of the Top 10 “Most Requested Family Attractions” by Ticketmaster in 2007, The UniverSoul circus performance provides traditional circus excitement partnered with the sounds of R&B, Funk and Gospel that the entire family to can enjoy.
    From June 10th to June 15th, residents will be able to witness the world-renowned UniverSoul Circus at The Gallery at Military Circle Mall in Norfolk. The show will return this year with its unique showcases by talented individuals that are natives of areas as close as Norfolk to as far as China.
"America's hippest Ringmaster", Tony Tone from Memphis, Tennessee and his sidekick, Zeke from Cleveland, will be leading the action packed program.
    The UniverSoul Circus features ten new acts in its 15th year of performing. One featured act is Bea, a Brazilian aerialist. Bea defies gravity while performing daring tricks upon a trapeze. Spectators will also be able to experience a modernized version of the biblical story of Noah's Ark with André.

   His act includes, himself and eight of “God's most amazing creatures” wowing the audience with their precise choreography. The Rough Riders, a dual gender and multinational act, will mesmerize the audience with its daring horse riding stunts and techniques unique to The UniverSoul Circus. El Niche and The Tigers of Soul from Columbia, South America will have spectators at the edge of their seats as they watch the tigers perform tricks that the UniverSoul Circus asserts most people can't even get their dog to do.

Posted May 14, 2008

  
   The Twisted Soul contortionists will show the audience the true meaning of flexibility. With every miraculous bend, twist and turn, the audience will be unable to look away. George Hanneford Junior and his four-ton dancing Soul Circus Divas will put any other dancers to shame. The Soul Circus Divas, well-trained elephants, will have everyone in attendance out of their seats, as they perform choreographed dance routines to today's popular music.
    The Mystery Brothers from Capetown and Johannesburg, Africa will showcase superior trapeze skills. The UniverSoul Circus declares that The Mystery Brothers' performance will hold the audience's attention from the moment they enter the ring until their grand exit. The Chinese Perch Pole, a Universoul Circus original performance. This crowd favorite is an act that includes 14 acrobats, two vertical poles, and amazing martial arts like stunts.
To make these thrilling performances even more accessible, The UniverSoul Circus will also offer special nights discount nights.

   Opening day, June 10th, will be City of Norfolk Employees' Friends and Family Night at the Circus, allowing City of Norfolk employees to purchase tickets at a discounted price of $15.00 for adult and children tickets in the Side Grandstand section with City of Norfolk employee identification.
    June 11th and 12th will be the discount night for city employees for the remaining six cities in the Hampton Roads area. Patrons with proper city employee identification will enjoy adult and children Side Grandstand tickets at the discounted price of $15.00.
   June 13th will be Beauty Salon, Barbershop and Church Night at the Circus. Those who present a business card from a beauty salon or a church bulletin will be able to purchase adult and children Side Grandstand tickets for $15.00.
Cedric Walker, President/CEO promises those in attendance will enjoy a defining show that brings the meaning of “UniverSoul” to life.
   Tickets can be purchases at Ticketmaster.com or by phone: 804-262-8100.

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