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The Hip-Hop Big Top

Like most circuses, the UniverSoul circus has clowns, cotton candy, elephants and acrobats. But one thing about this circus is unique: its owners and performers all are black. As the first all-black circus in more than 100 years, UniverSoul was designed to showcase African-American pride and spirit. Says spokeswoman Alisa Jackson: "Even if you close your eyes, you can tell there's something different about this event. There's a little soul to it."

Make that a lot of soul. As the first greeting of "Yo, yo, yo, yo" and the funky music of James Brown begin to energize the audience, it's clear that this is one hip-hop Big Top. Leading the cheering crowd is the show's ringmaster, "Casual Cal," who wears a bright yellow suit and a glittering, gold top hat. After Cal, comes a series of eye-popping acts, including the jump-rope tricks of the King Charles Unicycle Troupe.

Like many of UniverSoul's acts, the King Charles Troupe had a hard time breaking into the circus business because of the color of its members' skin. The troupe got its shot in 1969, after auditioning on the street in New York City.

The success of UniverSoul, which began in 1994, has helped more black performers make their way to center ring. The show's positive theme tells kids that "black performers can be successful," says tumbling coach Jesse White.

For 10-year-old Christie Montague, who caught the circus in Chicago, Illinois, the message of UniverSoul is simple: have fun! "Black or not isn't important to me," she says. "A good circus is a good circus, no matter who puts it on."

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