Circus’ L.A. Debut

The Universal Big Top Circus, dubbed the “Cirque du Soul,” is the only black-owned and operated circus in the country. It will run at Exposition Park until Nov. 27.

Based in Atlanta, the circus went on tour this year for the first time, holding shows in Chicago before its Los Angeles stop.

The circus was founded by Cedric “Ricky” Walker and Cal “Casual Cal” Dupree. Dupree is the ringmaster and greets the crowd with, “Yo, yo, yo,” and dances to hip-hop and James Brown music. The organization hires local workers to raise and take down the circus tent.

In addition to providing entertainment, the circus tries to impart a positive message to the children in the audience, telling them to work hard in school, pray and stay focused so they can achieve their goals.