What an amazing afternoon I had yesterday checking out the behind the scenes action of Cirque du Soleil’s Dralion. The show is here in Atlanta until Sunday, Sept. 4. I was invited to interview the performers and and get the low down on they make theses feats look so easy. Cirque Du Soleil has been entertaining audiences since its premiere in 1999 in Montreal,Canada. It started with 20 street performers and now it employs over 5,000 people including more than 1,300 artists from 50 different countries.
When I arrived at Gwinnett Center to watch them practice I was mesmerized by how graceful and strong the performers were. I watched a performer by the name of Jonathan spin on a circular object, then I watched aerialists bounce on trampolines as they climbed a huge wall with just gravity and their strength, amazing!
Later I witnessed a very romantic show with Amanda Orozco and Lorant Markocsany. Amanda is from Florida while Lorent is from Hungary. They are partners that perform an aerial act called, “Pas de deux”. They use blue fabric but they call it “tissues”. The intertwined couple swing through the air at over 30 feet and move to the soft music. It’s something to see.
While talking to both of them after they practiced, I learned that Lorent has been performing since the age of 13. Amanda on the other hand,went to see a Cirque show in Florida and decided at an early age that performing was what she wanted to do. They have both been with the show for one year.
Dralion is a signature Cirque Du Soleil production that premiered in 1999. Now its shown in arenas worldwide. The show is about the four natural elements — air, water, fire and earth. I came back later that evening see the show and it was phenomenal! The sparkly costumes, set design, music, characters and performances were incredible. My favorite acts were the clowns, the aerial show with Amanda and Lorent, Gaya’s dance, Skipping Rope and the Chairs act. Please check the Cirque du Soleil website for information regarding shows in your city.
Click on thumbnails to view photos:
