A show like no other: East Campus Dragons Circus Show and the art of coming together
14 August 2025
By UWCSEA Communications team
Step right up, take your seat, and prepare to be mesmerised by the dazzling acts of UWCSEA’s very own East Dragons Circus Show! In November 2024, the Main Hall transformed into something a little more striped—a green-and-white big top bursting with lights and an electric atmosphere. With over 70 ringmasters, acrobats, clowns, and characters from Grades 6 to 12, this Circus Show tumbled, twirled and tightroped its way into the hearts of a packed audience.
The magic continued as the cast returned just before the Term 2 break, performing again for Primary School students. This time, the young audience stepped into the tent, wide-eyed and curious, taking in all the colour, chaos, and charm. Beyond the noise and excitement, each act celebrated connection, creativity, and the values of Service, resonating with the audience and setting the show apart through its international collaboration.
Old friends, new acts and a long-standing partnership
From knife juggling and fire twirling to giraffe unicycles, aerial silks and a life-sized elephant puppet (a star from past Dover Campus Drama productions), this year’s East Dragons Circus had it all. Organised by students in the Circus activity group, the show incorporated elements from across the College, including support from the gymnastics, drama, dance and music departments.
Adding a special dimension to the performance were 12 young performers from Blue Dragon Children’s Foundation—a long-time Global Concerns (GC) partner of UWCSEA in Vietnam. Side-by-side, the Blue Dragon GC and Circus Club, teamed up with Middle and High School students to choreograph, rehearse and co-create the performance.
This Service partnership has grown over the years through events like CultuRama, UWC’s Got Talent, and previous circus shows, making their return to East Campus feel like a homecoming. Since the inception of East Campus in 2010, the Circus Club has continued to grow, bringing together students from across disciplines and passions to collaborate, create and perform as one dynamic ensemble under our very own Big Top.
Kim Miller, Asia Pacific Partnerships Lead at Blue Dragon, shared that performing in Singapore was a meaningful opportunity for the children of families and communities, many of whom had experienced trauma after Typhoon Yagi: “They turned that pain into something creative. They choreographed their performance, wrote the rap song, and supported each other as they overcame personal challenges. Their confidence grew tremendously, and they learned to ask for help and appreciate the dedication of the other student performers.”
Students also shared their experiences of the show:
“Working with students from other sections and the Blue Dragon performers made everything better. Their performance was beautiful and inspiring. Just watching it got me more excited to be part of the event.”
– Freya, Grade 7, East Campus
“I saw how hard the other students rehearsed and how many years it must’ve taken them to learn their skills. It makes me want to practise even more so I can be better too.”
– Manh, Blue Dragon Children’s Foundation performer
Fellow cast member and Grade 7 student, Sophia, also shared that, “It was really fun getting to work with different people from around the school. We encouraged each other, made new friends, and learned so much together.” Grade 2 student, Edie, shared, “I really felt happy and excited. It made me want to be part of the circus”, after having experienced the full show.
For students, staff, and performers alike, the experience served as a reminder that the arts can bridge backgrounds, build communities, and spark change. The shows have raised over S$10,000 for Blue Dragon Children’s Foundation, supporting creative outreach for street children and young people rescued from trafficking in Vietnam.
“This joyful circus with a profound mission transforms entertainment into an act of Service. Every laugh and cheer contributes to rescuing and empowering children. It’s a reminder that Arts and Service are not separate—together, they create lasting change.”
Videep, High School student and Blue Dragon GC leader
Whether soaring through the air or sharing a quiet moment backstage, each person walked away with more than they arrived with: a deeper connection to themselves, to each other, and to the UWC Mission that brought them together. Don’t miss the magic as the Circus Show returns in the new school year in November 2025, so stay tuned!