Does an injury end a career in the circus? For Danny Rodriguez, a fifth-generation circus performer born to aerialist parents, nothing would stop him.

Twelve-year-old Sara Estrada is one of America’s newest citizens, sworn in at a special ceremony during the 2017 Folklife Festival.

The thought process, symbolism, and history behind a clown’s makeup is far more complicated than meets the diamond-shaped eye.

“A beautiful thing happens when I get the opportunity to bring genres and communities together around music,” says Washington, D.C., hi-hop artist Christylez Bacon.

Watch a video of Listo Trapèze Volant, an aerialist team formed specifically for the Smithsonian Folklife Festival to showcase some of the best flying trapeze artists from around the world.

As people migrate, they take their music with them. The sound of the accordion, a traditional European instrument, has traveled the world and been incorporated into the Cajun music of BeauSoleil and conjunto music of Los Texmaniacs.

When I think of Hawaiian music, I first think of the ukulele, but slack-key guitar is just as uniquely Hawaiian. Ledward “Led” Kaapana is a ukulele virtuoso, but to my ear, he shines brightest when playing slack-key guitar.

Originally from Trinidad and Tobago, Crystal La-Caille found herself drawn to the colors and cultures of UniverSoul Circus.

“We’re rolling out the red carpet for the youth circuses of tomorrow who are coming up today. The top hat is a symbol of that,” says ringmaster Tim Mack.

Look into Emma Clarke’s backyard in Sarasota, Florida, and you’ll probably find the 11-year-old performing professional-grade circus routines for a neighborhood crowd.