Backstage at the enormous white circus tent in Orlando that is home to Cirque Du Soleil’s La Nouba, Renato Fernandes is preparing to fly through the air. The Brazilian acrobat is the first and only trapeze artist in the world able to execute a daring move called the “Double Twisting Double Layout and Half,” recently premiered in his “Flying Tapezee” act.
Fernandes, who is 35 years old, is part of a fifth generation of circus artists. He and his 26-year-old British girlfriend Sarah Turner, who is also a La Nouba artist, are expecting twins. This is the most recent chapter of a love story that began three years ago, right here in this tent.
“The first time I saw her I asked her to dance and she turned me down!” says Fernandes, laughing. “Months later, I started taking chocolates to her locker. I asked her to help me with my warm-up exercises, and nothing. It took nine months for her to give me a hug! When she finally agreed to be my girlfriend, I went with her to England to meet her parents, then I invited her to Paris. There, in the Eiffel Tower, on my knees, I gave her an engagement ring.”
Now, Fernandes prepares for his moment of glory, his twisting layout, which has been seen by thousands of people from around the world.
What few people have seen is what a typical day for a circus artist is like.
Cirque Du Soleil opened its doors exclusively for Nexos, where we spent a day with Fernandes.
11:00 a.m.: Rise and Shine
“I sleep deeply”, says Fernandes, born in Poços De Caldas in the Brazilian state of Minas Gerais. “Although I get to bed at two or three in the morning, I don’t get up until about 11. The first thing I do is shower, than I enjoy a good breakfast –always accompanied by protein shakes – and then I’m off to the circus.”
12:00 – 2:00 p.m.: The Workout
“Renato trains three times a week for two hours at a time,” says La Nouba chief trainer and dance captain Mathew Sparks. “Aside from that, from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. he’s in constant motion, since he performs two shows per day. That makes his work very physical. It keeps him going from 30 to 36 hours a week.”
“My training begins by placing an 11-pound ankle weight (5 kilos) on each foot to keep steady on the floor while I do 150 extensions in different directions, with a Thera-Band between my hands,” says Fernandes. “Then I jump for a few minutes on the trampoline, to warm up my body and I continue with stretching exercises on the floor. To end, 10 body pull ups and 10 shoulder pull ups.”
His girlfriend is training with him, despite the aches and pains of pregnancy. “She’s very nauseous today, but we’re happy, and as us artists know the show must go on,” says Fernandes. “The only thing is, because her act (Power Track) involves a lot of jumps, she’ll be in a special position for the coming months.”
2 p.m. – 3 p.m.: The First Flight
Rehearsal time, flying on the stage for an hour. Everything ends before 4 p.m. The stage must be empty then, so the technicians can test all the equipment, including cables, lights and sound.
4:30 p.m.: A Long Make-Up Session
This is a long and detailed process, not suitable for the impatient or hyperactive. It takes several layers of base, and takes between 70-90 minutes. “It’s curious–says Fernandes, always smiling. “It takes over an hour to put it on, but only three minutes to take it off when I go home.”
The Not So Rigorous Diet
Minutes before jumping on stage, Fernandes grabs something to eat. Usually he brings something from home, or he buys a snack from the little store near the make-up room. “I eat everything! I don’t follow a rigorous diet, I just make sure to get enough protein.”
Backstage, the vibe is surprisingly relaxed.
“He likes to spend time with us, his friends,” says Miguel Vargas, the trapeze trainer and also a La Nouba artist. “Since we come from so many different places, the circus is our family, and getting together is an important part of our lives. On the weekends one of us will cook and invite everyone else. Renato makes a great barbecue.”
“Since we do 500 shows a year, our work becomes something very natural,” stresses Fernandes. “That’s why behind the scenes we’re playing backgammon, having a little nap, kidding around or eating. Zero nerves!”
Let’s Fly!
The platform from which Fernandes will take flight is some 52 feet (16 meters) high. While he waits, he chats with the other trapeze artists: “We talk a little bit about everything; we discuss the news, just like you would in any other job. Until I grab the trapeze. When I have it in my hands, nothing else exists. For 18 seconds the world stops for me.”
His concentration is unwavering. “My concern will always be that the audience is happy. ” And if something unforeseen happens? “I have to smile and try to get back on my feet as soon as possible. There is a protocol in place, so that my colleagues and physical therapists act immediately.”
11:30 p.m.: Home, Sweet Home
After the show, Fernandes goes home directly and quickly. “Because the work is so physical, I just want to go to bed. The first thing is eat…I cook. Later Sarah and I relax doing puzzles. From Paris we brought home one of the Mona Lisa with 1000 pieces, and we put it together in a few days. We watch a little TV, and end the night with a bath. But instead of bubbles, ours has Epsom salts, to relax the muscles and calm any pain. And then to bed!”
{ SOURCE: American Way Magazine | http://goo.gl/DJMou7 }
