In this episode, Paris invites us on his remarkable journey from a rambunctious kid whose eagerness to perform led him to a circus program at his school which was facilitated by Big Apple Circus and how that association inevitably led him toward an unexpected passion for juggling. He shares his philosophy of “embracing the ugly…” discipline and mastery of his craft. He details what it means to proudly stand in and express the truth of his artistic persona, which is unapologetically steeped in the culture of Harlem and hip hop. He addresses what it means to be aware of most often being the only Black circus artist in many of the spaces he performs in. In addition, he shares the rigors and advantages of being an independent artist who has managed to compile a roster of stellar engagements which include everything from festivals, school assemblies, and music videos to MIT, The Daily Show with Trevor Noah, the White House and Sesame Street.

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