The circus is back in town and 500 children and youth at risk were the first in Singapore to catch the theatrical extravaganza under Cirque du Soleil's trademark blue-and-yellow big top in Bayfront Avenue, next to Marina Bay Sands.

Sponsored by telco M1, the children, from charities such as Beyond Social Services, Brahm Centre, the Children-At-Risk Empowerment Association (Care) and M1 Students Support Fund, were treated to the Quebec-based troupe's production of Totem.

The circus show features acrobatic feats mixed with comedy, dance and cutting-edge digital effects.

Mr Shafik Said, a youth worker from Care, recalled being extremely disappointed when he was not able to catch the show in 2002 when he was a student.

"I bullied some of my classmates and was inattentive in class, so the teacher said I couldn't go and that really hurt and made me reflect on why I was being left out," said the 26-year-old.

That was one of the turning points in his life and, subsequently, he made it his calling to become a youth worker to mentor troubled youngsters.

"Today, 13 years on, I am finally watching the show with the teenagers I work with and sharing with them my story," said Mr Shafik.

"It is a dream come true."