A teacher and two students smiling while standing inside the Big Top at Wonderland UTC.

A High-Wire Journey to Wonder: Manatee Students Step Into Magic at Wonderland’s Big Top

School District of Manatee County

December 4, 2025

On Wednesday, students from six Manatee County schools were invited to take a magical journey to Wonderland under the Big Top at UTC.

A smiling teacher with students also smiling behind her.

Legendary performer Nik Wallenda teamed up with generous supporters, including the Manatee Education Foundation, the @Bishop-Parker Foundation, and The Henson Fund to bring this incredible, science-in-action experience to life.

The facial interactions of surprise and happiness as students sit in the audience of a circus performance.

Students and teachers from the following schools were invited to attend: Bayshore Elementary, Bashaw Elementary, Blackburn Elementary, Kinnan Elementary, Palmetto Elementary, and Samoset Elementary.

Nik Wallenda and team walk the high wire at Wonderland UTC with a large shadow of their wire walk on the tent.

After enjoying a series of awe-inspiring entertainment acts, students were treated to a special lesson from the high wire. Nik Wallenda explained how the science of inertia and gravity helps performers create the magic. There was dancing, oohs and aahs, and—most importantly—wonder.

A ringmaster speaks to children who are raising their hands at the Wonderland circus at UTC in Sarasota.

We’re deeply grateful to everyone who made this opportunity possible, including the School District’s Associate Superintendent of Administration & Strategic Engagement, Kevin Chapman, who kicked off the festivities as guest ringmaster.

Performer Johnny Rockett balances a broom on his chin as an audience of children laugh.

Wonderland is back with BELIEVE, a dazzling, never-before-seen production under the climate-controlled Big Top at UTC through Sunday, January 4, 2026.