UniverSoul Circus

Runs through Nov. 15, $12-$28, Mann Center for the Performing Arts, 52nd Street and Parkside Avenue, 800-316-7439, universoulcircus.com.

by Lauren Seibert

[ the big top ]

Founded in 1994, the UniverSoul Circus is the only traveling, big top-style circus in the world that's owned and operated by African-Americans. Consider that: The only one in the whole, wide, worldly world. Along with the traditional circus lineup of clowns, tigers, acrobatics and magic, UniverSoul features hip-hop dance, the "Soul Train Line" and ringmaster Aunt Maggie's gospel music. The group boasts 60 performers from 11 different countries, which explains its lineup of Caribbean limbo dancing, Latin music and Chinese acrobatics. "What keeps it unique," says director of operations Ben Johnson, "is that elements of African-American culture weave throughout the entire performance."