The Wandering Disciple

The Flying Wallendas makes their ways across the tightrope in the grand finale of A Brave New Wonderland. Hosted by Sarasota's own daredevil Nik Wallenda, the holiday themed circus tells the story of the holidays through music and acrobatic performances.  A Brave New Wonderland runs until December 31 under the big top at the Mall at University Town Center.  Taken: December 2, 2023 (Sarasota, FL)

Johnny Rocket leaves the audience laughing as he rides in on a wrecking ball. The hilariously antics of Johnny kept the crowd entertained throughout the night during the holiday themed circus extravaganza.  You can still catch the comedy of Johnny Rocket during A Brave New Wonderland. The circus continues until December 31.  Taken: December 2, 2023 (Sarasota, FL)

A poodle delivers a bouquet of flowers to its squeeze during a performance at A Brave New Wonderland. Veranica Tchalabaeva and her band of playful pups brings and exciting act of skills and laughs to the holiday themed circus.  A Brave New Wonderland runs until December 31 under the big top at the Mall at University Town Center.  Taken: December 2, 2023 (Sarasota, FL)

As darkness falls over the circus ring, the amazing juggling act of Junior Neves lights up the ring. The art of juggling can be traced back as far as the Egyptian people with wall painting showing jugglers found dating back to 1994 to 1781 B.C.  This performance by Junior is just one of the acts performing during A Brave New Wonderland, the holiday themed circus being hosted at the University Town Center Mall. You can catch the show until December 31.  Taken: December 2, 2023 (Sarasota, FL)

For eight generations, the Ashton family has been a prominent name in the circus. The Ring of Fame family has been preforming before thousands since immigrating to the US on the Queen Mary in the 1950's. Today the family name is carried on by Lianna Ashton.  Lianna performed her hoops act during A Brave New Wonderland. The holiday themed circus takes place through December 31 at the University Town Center Mall in Sarasota.  Taken: December 2, 2023 (Sarasota, FL)

Emma Clarke soars above her hometown during a performance under the big top. A resident of Sarasota, Emma joined fellow Sarasota native Nik Wallenda for A Brave New Wonderland, a holiday themed circus.  A Brave New Wonderland is located under the big top at the Mall at University Town Center. It will occur on select nights through December 31.  Taken: December 2, 2023 (Sarasota, FL)

In a feat of body-defying acrobatics, The Bone Breakers open up A Brave New Wonderland. The trio from West Africa showed the world their display of contortionism during the 2020 season of America's Got Talent. Today they travel the world performing their flexible act under the big top.  A Brave New Wonderland is a holiday themed circus put together by Nik Wallenda and the Circus Arts Conservatory. The show takes place now through December 31 in Sarasota.  Taken: December 2, 2023 (Sarasota, FL)

Back in 2017 Benderson Development and Taubman Centers took a big risk, to build a new mall during a time when not much new construction was occurring and especially not mall construction. In fact during the construction of the University Town Center Mall, it was the only new mall being built in the nation. By opening day in October 2014, the UTC Mall was the first mall to open since 2006. Today the 880,000 square foot mall is the premier shopping destination of the Gulf Coast. (Photo: July 31, 2017)

Thousands of shoppers pack the Grand Court for the grand opening of the University Town Center Mall in Sarasota.  The 880,000 square foot mall opened today featuring over 100 stores and 4 restaurants.  (Photo: October 16, 2014)