Cirque du Soleil Saltimbanco Stops by Toronto’s ACC
August 20, 2008
Saltimbanco -from the Italian “saltare in banco”, which literally means “to jump on a bench”-explores the urban experience in all its myriad forms: the people who live there, their idiosyncrasies and likenesses, families and groups, the hustle and bustle of the street and the towering heights of skyscrapers. Between whirlwind and lull, prowess and poetry, Saltimbanco takes spectators on an allegorical and acrobatic journey into the heart of the city
Shovine.com members had a very Special Opportunity to catch the 49 performer ensemble gearing up for their Toronto show, which airs at the ACC from Wednesday August 13th to Sunday August 24th, 2008.
You can check out the Saltimbanco Website for more info about show dates and ticket prices.
Ok, I have to completely admit. I find acrobatics and insane human death defying stunts interesting to say the least, enjoyable to watch, effecting us thouroughly and completely shedding an uplifting aura of human spirit amung its audience. However, I could never imagine myself spending money on tickets, as they are just too expensive and as an individual working to step up in the world, I dont have the money to spend……. However, after seeing the performers unleash some of their gymnastically sophisticated maneuvers, I would definitely drop the cash on a pair of tickets for me and my invisible friend.
None the less, I was invited to check Cirque du Soleil’s Rehersal for the Production of Saltimbanco, The Companies original act which debuted in 1992 as a big top production, now reconfigured and redesigned to adequately fill any large modern arena such as the ACC which we will see pictured here.
Alot of Pawns out there say: “How do they do that??” The Answer: Teamwork and concentration.
The most phenomenal thing I noticed, which was revealed by having the chance to see the show void of flashing lights and music, was how well choreographed and together the performers were. I think us non-super human people tend to overlook ideas such as trust and relationships which these guys depend on regularly between each other, an element of serenity which overrides the music and lighting, the substances which usually help dazzle the audience but rather for these guys create a pace in which they all unify their movements in complete synchronicity.
Looking up, It seems like a long way down…..
Dance, Rhythm, Gymnastics, Acrobatics, Drama, And of course Artistry of movement and form, are just a small cluster of the many disciplines these performers are either mastering, or learning to hone.
Here is one of the more memorable looking performers showing oa crew member of his a signature motion he performers well on the high wires and trapeze. I can only guess he is talking about timing.
Immense Strength, She could totally Whoop my Butt.
A more intimate portrait of a Cirque du Soleil Performer. These Guys are so focused, despite how funny the costume may look out of context. I think it is part of its charm. Oh, btw, He told one of our corespondents that the costume is actually a lizard. You got to love the French (which I am proud to be by the way) for our unique and innovative style of art.
Throwing the sticky stuff on the shoes., you should have seen how fast these guys can climb a pole!
I bet these guys would have cleaned up at the Olympics
Only with complete trust, and a lifetime of work and practice and one perform the psychotic stunts these guys do. Lets all still remember, that the stakes add a HUGE degree of entertainment to the performance. “Hey Indie!! Look out for that GATOR!!”
And a little closer look.