Students Experience Science and Spectacle at Wonderland UTC with Nik Wallenda
Students from six Manatee County schools stepped into a world of wonder last week at a special educational performance at Wonderland UTC. The visit blended entertainment and learning, offering a rare opportunity to see high-flying physics brought to life.
The event was made possible through a partnership between legendary performer Nik Wallenda and several community supporters, including the Manatee Education Foundation, the Bishop-Parker Foundation, and The Henson Fund. Together, they helped create an interactive, science-in-action field trip centered around Wonderland’s BELIEVE, a new large-scale production staged under a climate-controlled Big Top at University Town Center.
Following a series of thrilling acts, students took part in a unique lesson inspired by the high wire. Wallenda demonstrated how the principles of inertia and gravity allow performers to maintain balance and control during daring stunts. The demonstration connected classroom concepts to real-world applications, giving students a deeper understanding of the forces at play in the circus arts.
The School District of Manatee County’s Associate Superintendent of Administration & Strategic Engagement, Kevin Chapman, opened the event as guest ringmaster and welcomed students to the immersive learning experience.
Wonderland’s BELIEVE continues its run at UTC through Sunday, January 4, 2026, offering families and visitors a chance to experience the innovative production that inspired local students.
