UniverSoul Circus Stops At Charter School In West Philly
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- The UniverSoul Circus, which bills itself as the third most popular circus in the world, is in Philadelphia for a three week run.
On Wednesday, the troupe performed for and interacted with students at Universal Bluford Charter School in West Philadelphia.
Mats were spread out all over the school gymnasium as circus performers, decked out in colorful costumes, taught students the ABC's of their craft.
"Today we're teaching juggling and making balloons for them and trying to let them know where we're from, what we do and what inspired us, so that they can grow further and think of what they want to do in the future," says Wandi Mtshula, a UniverSoul veteran from South Africa.
For the kids, it is a rare opportunity to get a look at the inner workings of the circus.
"It's fun. We learned how to flip on our hands and our head and jumping, long jump and small jump. We're learning about how the circus is unique and stuff like that."
City Councilman Curtis Jones was instrumental in arranging this private performance, one day before the circus opens in front of the Mann Center.
"Their commitment to neighborhood schools is something I look for. Like, don't just come in and leave and take profits with you, but leave something more lasting, an impression to a kid that sees an elephant up close for the first time or sees a contortionist."