Tapis Rouge!

Celebrating 30 years at Cirque du Soleil this year, ‘Uncle Boris’ Verkhovsky mentors us on the many evolutions under the sun. Eloquently highlighting the achievements without shying away from the setbacks of the company, he generously clarifies the role of a coach, acrobatic conception and creation processes. With a lifetime in acrobatics, there are no flips, twists, or drops that fly under his radar!

This Cirque baby not only built a brilliant career, but a unique aerial apparatus as well. Masha Terentieva constructs this conversation around her lifelong journey in show business that led to the creation of her aerial hotel cart. Now leased in 7 different shows over the world, this flying cart will need to start taking reservations!

It would be difficult to be a hardcore Cirque fan if you do not know this epic, behind the scenes anchor. Much like his life-changing, department-hopping internship at Mystere as a teenager, Gabriel Dubé-Dupuis has filled many shoes for Cirque Du Soleil. From filming with creation teams and backstage management to show calling, all the way to creating shows, he certainly knows this company from the inside out. Who better to link the tales of then and now than someone who has been integrated in the company for 28 years?!

When life gives you lemons, consult Charlotte Sullivan. Gracefully piloting through some serious turbulence, this woman knows how to shift gears and climb forward. From a decorated hand to hand duo to injury and personal loss, came a friendship that revived her heart and reinvented her career. Now soaring above the big stage of ECHO in a new hair to hair duo, you would never believe she is afraid of heights!

From owning his own clinic in Australia to, literally, running away with the circus, Brett Whyborn offers us insight on prepping and maintaining the peak performance of athletes vs the unique performance rhythm of Cirque Du Soleil artists. Beyond this crazy pacing to sustain and ‘peak’ twice (sometimes 3 times) a day, he expertly integrates the importance of pain science. Tune in to hear this Performance Medicine magician work his therapeutic magic.

Openly detailing her career while highlighting some key influences, Marie "Moon" Michelle walks us through the grand chapiteau's of Quidam, Corteo, and Amaluna. Her genuine stage presence, precision, and use of vocals while performing aerial acrobatics makes this artist beautifully unique. Continuing this artistry into motherhood and beyond, you can now appreciate her detailed work in her handcrafted jewelry company, Ellef!

One of Cirque’s integral behind the scenes VIP’s, Bernard Petiot went from the highest achievements in the world of Olympic gymnastics to being the backbone of Soleil’s international headquarters. By creating support systems and risk assessment for the integration of new artists, he has paved the way for everyone to succeed… safely. In short…. He’s kind of a big deal!

Gracefully navigating the highs and lows of being a decorated stage performer, Olga Pikhienko balances (often on one arm!) our perspective on training, show creation and touring the world as Cirque’s star contortion handbalancer. Not to mention, what it’s like the date the man, the myth, the legendary Guy Laliberte!

From gymnastics to 3 Cirque stages, head coach and writer, Darren transitions us from competitive sport to the high bars of Mystere, straps of the unique Delirium tour, and hand to hand on Saltimbanco. This versatility on stage made him the perfect “pro artist” head coach on Amaluna and writer of a newly published book. “Get Off Your Ass” by Darren Bersuk.. who better to write about health and fitness?

With decades of masterful experience and stories that have been folded into every crease of fabric, Dominique sketches out her experience creating costumes for the most iconic characters of Cirque du Soleil. She stitched life into the very first characters of Nouvelle Experience, and poured color into Cirque’s most celebrated shows. Working alongside a stellar creative team, the perfect fit truly does exist!

Revising the stigma of competitive athletes becoming recognized artists, Alix carries us into her versatile world of being an aerialist and multiple characters on many Cirque shows. While her aspirations continuously take her to new heights… literally, she also maintains clients in performance therapy, guiding them through mental blocks. Who better to mentor you through a blockage than someone who has.. flown the flight?

Juggling his way through an impressive stage career, Eric tosses us through his life in circus school, 7 Fingers, Cirque du Soleil events and what it’s like to create your own show from scratch. When finding your own process has its fair share of difficulties, he was able to articulate his own experience and interview influential directors on his newly coming book: The Contemporary Circus Handbook, A guide to creating, funding, producing, organizing and touring shows for the 21st century.

Embodying perfection of movement, precise and unusual body placement, and rhythmic timing, René carries us through his incredible career. Collaborating with all the creative icons of Cirque’s early days, René has an amazing story told with warmth, experience, and of course.. comedy!

What does it take to be cast by Cirque du Soleil? With insider tips on how to make the perfect demo reel, former casting agent, Stacy Clark details what makes an artist or athlete stand out! And as the current CEO of CircusTalk, Stacy also shares how this career marketplace for circus and performing arts gives essential tools to ignite your career.

Producers produce.. what exactly? Tune in to hear the mighty talented Stéphane Mongeau. Overseeing a dozen Cirque shows from start to finish is no easy feat! In a world where “no” can’t exist, let’s see how Stephane utilizes “yes…if”!

When in doubt, workout! Ugo ‘Euss’ Laffolay walks the walk and talks about his dedicated approach to circus and precise training methods. While his behind the scenes regimen is strict, he is able to let go and light up the stage as the very playful, eyebrow-dancing, peck-flexing, macho- mustache- wearing hand balancer— while, of course, in an iron cross or planche… on swaying canes. Work hard, play hard with Cirque’s silliest handbalancer.

Roch has been with Cirque since the birth of the company and was a part of the very first rise of the sun! You will quickly find how his versatility and adaptability has his number in the casting departments speed dial. Urgent replacement contracts while jet setting around the world in a matter of days, Roch has the habit of saving the show from clowning woes!

Navigating show business with his feet on the ground, Mukhtar danced his way from stage performer all the way to creative director. Expertly guiding each unique project has made him one of Cirque du Soleil most valuable creative asset. Tune in to hear about his creative process for Cirque’s newest show ECHO coming out this spring!

Don’t pass out! This true human anomaly defies all laws of motion. Aleksei bends us through his reality as one of the world’s GOAT contortionists.

With great height, comes great responsibility. Jonathan swings us through the challenges of the high bar acts of Mystère, Alegria, Totem and Corteo. With a strong emphasis on the mental health required to bounce back from injury, this acrobat navigates change with a refreshing comedic touch!