UniverSoul Circus Comes to Norfolk

Thanks to the wonderful people at UniverSoul Circus, I received some complimentary tickets to attend along with a few of my family and friends during their stop in Norfolk, VA. We attended the Flashback Friday & Social Media Night on June 12, hosted by local radio station Hot 92.1. I’ve never attended the UniverSoul Circus before, even though it has stopped in Norfolk for many years now. My parents always took my step-daughter when she was younger, and Mr. Blakes and I would enjoy a date night somewhere far, far away. So I was excited to finally attend, and share the experience with my mother-in-law Deborah, and my play-sister Stephanie, her husband Doug, and their two kids Drake & Serene.

The UniverSoul Circus takes place under the big top – literally.  It really takes it ‘old school’ and has the entire circus under a huge outdoor tent that is temperature controlled, of course. This gave the show an intimate feel versus being in a large stadium, which is what I was used to as a kid going to the circus at the Hampton Coliseum. Another reason why this is good, is that there really isn’t a bad seat in the house. No nosebleed sections – no matter where you sit, you have a great view of all the action going on center stage.

Before the show begins, attendees have an opportunity to pick up all sorts of merchandise and food. I had a funnel cake, and it was sweet, warm, and good. That alone would’ve made my night! But there was so much more once the show began. Everything from dancers, acrobatics, motorcycles trapped inside a dome, flying trapeze artists, elephants and zebras. Mixed in with fun activities during the breaks and intermission, like the DJ playing everyone’s favorite songs, a dance off between attendees, and other things to keep the crowd engaged, it was non-stop entertainment.

Lucky the Ringmaster and his sidekick Zeke really got the crowd excited as they brought out each act, and did a little ‘show’ of their own. There were no dull moments, and the crowd cheered with awe and excitement the whole show. The acts, reigning from all over the world, really performed for the crowd and I was amazed. I can’t say that I had a favorite, because I was truly impressed by all the acts. I also appreciated the show’s final act, which was a performance dedicated to the Black Lives Matter campaign. Just a reminder that while we enjoyed a great evening of fun with others in our community, keeping the community uplifted is still a need and I give UniverSoul Circus kudos for sending that message to attendees.

To see some live footage from the UniverSoul Circus, and to hear Drake’s review :), check out my vlog below. If you’re in the Hampton Roads area, the show will be in town until June 21. To see where they are headed next, visit www.universoulcircus.com!