CHARLOTTE, NC – Flying acrobats, gravity-defying stunts, fire breathers, stilt dancers, and the coolest clowns around! UniverSoul Circus returns to the Charlotte area with its new Rhythm of the World production from Thursday, May 8, through Sunday, May 18, under the iconic big top tent at Route 29 Pavilion (across from Charlotte Motor Speedway), 5620 Concord Pkwy S., Concord, NC 28027. Celebrating 31 years as one of America’s top family events, UniverSoul Circus brings together the best international performers in a high-energy, interactive spectacle featuring world-class talent, vibrant costumes and music from across the globe. Audiences will experience a cultural celebration filled with rhythm, soul and extraordinary performances. A family favorite with global appeal Rated as one of Ticketmaster’s “Top 10 Most Requested Family Events,” UniverSoul Circus has entertained over 25 million people with its unique blend of circus arts, theater and live music. The show spans genres including R&B, Latin, hip hop, jazz, gospel, pop and the infectious beats of world music. The diverse cast of performers, representing five continents, promises to dazzle and entertain with their acrobatic feats, comedic antics and cultural displays. “Our Rhythm of the World production celebrates not only the world’s top circus performers, but also the unity of people from all walks of life. It’s a powerful reminder of the universal values of love, respect and togetherness,” said Cedric Walker, founder and CEO of UniverSoul Circus. A beloved, budget-friendly, interactive experience Described as “not your grandfather’s circus,” UniverSoul is known for its engaging and interactive experience, where audience members of all ages become part of the show. Whether it’s participating in a game of Simon Says, showing off dance moves during the Swag Surf or joining the Soul Karaoke spotlight, the crowd is always in the spotlight. Kids are invited to join Fresh the Clowns in the Big Top Kids Dance contest, while everyone enjoys the high-energy music and playful atmosphere. With themes of unity and understanding, UniverSoul Circus fosters valuable lessons, encouraging children to honor their parents, be good students, and embrace love and tolerance. Additionally, last year’s circus attendees praised the event for its affordability (“money well spent!”), the variety of performers and the educational experience of showcasing flags from the performers’ home countries. Many also referred to it as one of the “best family events ever” and urged organizers to “return next year!” A global stage combining thrills and culture This year’s show features over a dozen new acts from around the world, all showcasing their skills under a brand-new, state-of-the-art big top tent from Italy. The tent is equipped with a dynamic audio and lighting system that adds a new layer to the spectacular performances. Featured performers include the soul-stirring African Dream hoop divers from Addis Abba, Ethiopia; an exciting, stylized teeterboard act from Ethiopia; a tantalizing strong-man hand-balance duo called Double Vision from the Dominican Republic; a high-flying acrobatic act from Russia called Zhukau Swing; and a dynamic twirling Cuban-Caribbean dance party and roller skating-themed spectacular. New this year is a vertigo-inducing, electrifying Ethiopian Pole Act featuring dizzying spins and gravity-defying poses on a towering vertical pole plus a mesmerizing aerial silk act that blends beauty, emotion and daring skill to tell a love story that flirts with gravity and captivates audiences with its heart-stopping suspense. Audience favorites are also returning, including the Caribbean Street Carnival, which features 20-foot dancing puppets, fire-breathing stilt dancers and vibrant folklore characters. The hip-hop dancing Fresh the Clowns (with hundreds of thousands of social media followers) will have the crowd dancing, while the daring Wheel of Death stunt artists will keep everyone on the edge of their seats as they perform heart-stopping flips and dives 60 feet in the air. Ticket and other information Tickets start at $25 and are available at Ticketmaster.com. Performance times: Thursday and Friday | 7 p.m. Saturday | 12 p.m. | 3:30 | 7:30 p.m. Sunday | 12 p.m. | 3 p.m. | 6:30 p.m. Paid parking is available. For more information, ticket prices, show times, and schedules, visit universoulcircus.com.  ...read more read less