Ever wonder what it would be like to become a Cirque du Soleil artist? Of course you have! Who hasn’t? Wonder no longer! Through a series of interviews on their casting website, Cirque du Soleil invites us to get to know some of their performers (past and present), and discover how each of them went from a career as an athlete, circus performer, instrumentalist, singer, dancer, actor, clown, or in another specialty to becoming a Cirque performer. They’re fantastic reads if you’ve had the pleasure, and if you haven’t, well, don’t despair. We’ve collected all 30 artist interviews for you to peruse in this series, which, due to the page count, we’ll publish in six parts. Last month we began with Q&A’s from Anthony Gatto, Claudel Doucet, Denise Stefanie Gonzalez, Eric Scribner, and Eve Castelo Branco. We continue now with Hassan El Hajjami (Hip-hop & Breakdance), Jean-François Houle (Bandleaders), Jeanne Dioman Gbou (Ethnic & Traditional dance), Julia Lopatkina (Acrobatic gymnastics), and Kristin Allen (Gymnastics).
PART TWO
HASSAN EL HAJJAMI
France | Dance, “popping” style
Q. YOUR BIGGEST ARTISTIC ACHIEVEMENT IN YOUR PRE-CIRQUE CAREER
Juste Debout 2007 #3 in the World, European Champion 2004, World Champion Battle of the Year in 2003 (Pokemon Crew), Champion France 2003
Q. PLEASE TELL US ABOUT YOUR ARTISTIC BACKGROUND PREVIOUS TO JOINING CIRQUE:
Dancer, Performer, Choreographer and Artistic Director of the Lyon Opera
Q. WHEN DID YOU JOIN CIRQUE DU SOLEIL?
September 2005
Q. WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST CONTACT WITH THE ORGANIZATION? WHAT WAS THE CONTEXT?
Cirque called and asked me to do an audition in Paris along with about 10 other “poppers”.
Q. WHAT KIND OF AN EXPERIENCE WAS YOUR AUDITION?
The audition lasted a whole day but thankfully I was in good shape and in the end I had a lot of fun competing for the role of “Walrus”!
Q. HOW DID YOUR INTEGRATION GO IN MONTREAL AND IN THE SHOW?
I had to do dancing and acting workshops, and learn English!
Q. HOW DOES BEING PART OF A CIRQUE DU SOLEIL SHOW ALLOW YOU TO EXPRESS YOURSELF IN YOUR DISCIPLINE?
I get a lot of satisfaction from my role in LOVE. My solo act is fun and I get to play one of the most important characters in the show.
Q. WHAT DO YOU LIKE THE MOST ABOUT BEING PART OF CIRQUE DU SOLEIL?
Having a solo in one of the most important shows in the world is an honor.
Q. HOW DID THE TRANSITION GO BETWEEN YOUR FORMER CAREER TO YOUR CURRENT CIRQUE CAREER?
Being around so many other talented artists helped my transition and helped me increase my own level as an artist.
Q. WHY WOULD YOU RECOMMEND AN ARTIST TO JOIN CIRQUE?
It’s one of the best experiences I’ve ever had. I was able to learn a new language and meet new people… and to be a part of such a creative force is magical.
Q. HOW IS LIFE IN LAS VEGAS?
Vegas is filled with lots of fun people and things to do. The creator of the Electric Boogaloo lives here and in my spare time we hang out and dance together!
Q. ANYTHING ELSE YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE WITH US?
Peace and love!
JEAN-FRANÇOIS HOULE
Canada | Music
Q. PLEASE TELL US ABOUT YOUR ARTISTIC BACKGROUND PREVIOUS TO JOINING CIRQUE DU SOLEIL:
I was producing music and touring professionally as a bass player, bandleader and “electronic noise-maker” for 20 years.
Q. WHEN DID YOU JOIN CIRQUE?
In 1996 I joined Cirque as a bass player/bandleader on the Asian tour of Alegrìa and in 2001 joined in the creation of ZUMANITY.
Q. WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST CONTACT WITH THE ORGANIZATION? WHAT WAS THE CONTEXT?
In 1996 Cirque was looking for a musical director for the Alegrìa tour in Asia and a friend, who was the bandleader for Mystère, referred me.
Q. HOW DID YOUR INTEGRATION GO (EITHER IN MONTREAL OR IN A SHOW)?
Very well. My second integration, during the creation of Zumanity, was very cool because everything had to be created from scratch for my role.
Q. HOW DOES BEING PART OF A CIRQUE DU SOLEIL SHOW ALLOW YOU TO EXPRESS YOURSELF IN YOUR DISCIPLINE?
I like being able to perform music that supports an acrobat’s live performance, anything can happen…
Q. WHAT DO YOU LIKE THE MOST ABOUT BEING PART OF CIRQUE DU SOLEIL?
Being part of one of the most prestigious companies in the entertainment industry and, at the same time, being part of a large family. I like the friendships between artists and how we are all motivated by the same thing: to make each show the best show possible!
Q. HOW DID THE TRANSITION GO BETWEEN YOUR FORMER CAREER TO YOUR CURRENT CIRQUE CAREER?
As I had always worked in similar projects that included many musicians and technicians, my integration went very smoothly.
Q. HOW IS LIFE ON TOUR AND IN LAS VEGAS?
I liked touring because it gave me a chance to see Asia and Europe. Now that I live in Vegas, I love that too… the city is so dynamic!
Q. ANYTHING ELSE YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE WITH US?
I very much liked being part of the creation of Zumanity. It was a very unique experience and I’m proud of what we did with it.
JEANNE DIOMAN GBOU
Côte d’Ivoire | African Dance
Q. HAT WAS YOUR BIGGEST ARTISTIC ACHIEVEMENT PRIOR TO JOINING CIRQUE DU SOLEIL?
F.I.T.D. – My dance group won the International Theatre Festival for Development in Africa
Q. PLEASE TELL US ABOUT YOUR ARTISTIC BACKGROUND BEFORE JOINING CIRQUE.
I was a member of the “Ballet national de Côte d’Ivoire”, a traditional dance group and an African contemporary dance troupe called Terzo
Q. WHEN DID YOU JOIN CIRQUE DU SOLEIL?
I began with Dralion in April 1999.
Q. WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST CONTACT WITH THE ORGANIZATION? WHAT WAS THE CONTEXT?
Some people from the Cirque casting department came to the Ivory Coast in 1998 to see my group perform and videotape the show.
Q. WHAT KIND OF AN EXPERIENCE WAS YOUR AUDITION AND/OR TRAINING AND/OR WORKSHOP?
The taping of my performance in the show was sort of my audition. Soon after, Cirque called to ask if I would like to work for them.
Q. HOW DID YOUR INTEGRATION GO (EITHER IN MONTREAL OR IN A SHOW)?
My integration into the role was a little difficult because the type of dance I was required to perform was different from the very traditional dance style I was used to.
Q. HOW DOES BEING PART OF A CIRQUE DU SOLEIL SHOW ALLOW YOU TO EXPRESS YOURSELF IN YOUR DISCIPLINE?
My role in Dralion allows me to express my inner energy with a lot of fast movement and big facial expressions.
Q. WHAT DO YOU LIKE THE MOST ABOUT BEING PART OF CIRQUE DU SOLEIL?
I enjoy being able to work and live with people from many other cultures and disciplines, something I would not be able to experience in the Ivory Coast.
Q. HOW DID THE TRANSITION GO BETWEEN YOUR FORMER CAREER TO YOUR CURRENT CIRQUE CAREER?
It went very smoothly. The only difference is now I do the same dance every day.
Q. WHY WOULD YOU RECOMMEND AN ARTIST TO JOIN CIRQUE?
Cirque allows you the opportunity to do what you love and to learn from a lot of different people.
Q. HOW IS LIFE ON TOUR?
I love it. Life on tour is fun and fabulous! The only thing is we don’t always have enough time to do all personal stuff we like to.
JULIA LOPATKINA
Russian Federation | Acrobatic gymnastics
Q. WHAT WAS YOUR BIGGEST ATHLETIC ACHIEVEMENT PRIOR TO JOINING CIRQUE DU SOLEIL?
I won the World Championships in 1999, 2000, 2002, 2004, European Championships in 2001 and 2003, World Games in 1997 and 2001, and the National Championships in 1997 and again from 1999 to 2004.
Q. PLEASE TELL US ABOUT YOUR ATHLETIC BACKGROUND PREVIOUS TO JOINING CIRQUE:
I have been in Acrobatic gymnastics since I was 7 years old and my main discipline was Women’s Pair. Over seven years, my Pair’s partner Anna Mokhova (who works on Quidam now) and me won repeated World and European Championships as members of the Russian National Team. We were very lucky to work and interact with the best coaches and athletes throughout our athletic careers. In addition, I graduated from University with a Bachelor’s degree as a coach of Sports Acrobatics. I can definitely say that acrobatics is my life!
Q. WHEN DID YOU JOIN CIRQUE DU SOLEIL?
I joined Cirque du Soleil during the general formation period in Montreal in 2005. Soon after, in 2006, I was invited to join “O” in Las Vegas.
Q. WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST CONTACT WITH THE ORGANIZATION? WHAT WAS THE CONTEXT?
The first time I heard and learned about the organization was in 1999. At the time I was actively training and didn’t think that at some point I would become a Cirque du Soleil artist. However, six months after I finished competing as a professional athlete in 2005, I found myself accepting an invitation to the general formation in Montreal.
Q. WHAT KIND OF AN EXPERIENCE WAS YOUR AUDITION AND/OR TRAINING AND/OR WORKSHOP?
To be a performer and not just an athlete was the most difficult skill I had to acquire. Learning to combine tricks and emotions, to express more than just acrobatics and opening myself to something so new was most challenging for me. Also, developing my acting, dancing and vocal skills, as well as learning make-up, were very new and interesting to me.
Q. HOW DID YOUR INTEGRATION GO IN MONTREAL AND IN THE SHOW?
In the beginning, I was just watching and learning everything around me. The next step was to slowly learn new tricks, choreography and cues. It was only after that, that I finally took part in the show. I think that the formation in Montreal was a very helpful experience for me.
Q. HOW DOES BEING PART OF A CIRQUE DU SOLEIL SHOW ALLOW YOU TO EXPRESS YOURSELF IN YOUR DISCIPLINE?
When you are working in any Cirque show, you are taking on a huge responsibility to be the best in what you do. I am always reaching for new knowledge and trying to learn things from the performers around me.
Q. WHAT DO YOU LIKE THE MOST ABOUT BEING PART OF CIRQUE DU SOLEIL?
For me, it is being part of a big circus “family” and having the opportunity to work with professionals in my field, to communicate with interesting people from different countries and doing something I love to do.
Q. HOW DID THE TRANSITION GO BETWEEN YOUR FORMER CAREER TO YOUR CURRENT CIRQUE CAREER?
When your sport career comes to an end, you think you will never feel such strong emotions as the feeling you get standing with a medal. But it is not true! Cirque gave me a possibility to continue my career, only in another role. The transition was not that hard, as I continued to be engaged in my favorite activity.
Q. WHY WOULD YOU RECOMMEND AN ARTIST TO JOIN CIRQUE?
It is a wonderful opportunity to try new things, to discover new emotions, skills and impressions, and to begin a new and interesting life!
Q. HOW IS LIFE IN LAS VEGAS?
Las Vegas is a big and beautiful city. It is not the same as other cities in which I have been. There are a lot of people from all corners of the world and it charges the city with a special power. I like to live and work here!
KRISTIN ALLEN
United States | Acrobatic gymnastics
Q. WHAT WAS YOUR BIGGEST ATHLETIC ACHIEVEMENT PRIOR TO JOINING CIRQUE DU SOLEIL?
Right before my partner, Michael Rodrigues, and I joined Cirque du Soleil , we won the 2010 Acrobatic Gymnastics World Championships in Poland. Becoming World Champions was our biggest achievement and our ultimate goal. Also, in 2009, we made history by becoming the first American acrobatic gymnasts to win a gold medal at the World Games.
Q. TELL US ABOUT YOUR ATHLETIC BACKGROUND BEFORE JOINING CIRQUE.
I started acrobatic gymnastics when I was 9 years old, and I competed in the sport for 10 years.
Q. WHEN DID YOU JOIN CIRQUE DU SOLEIL AND WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST CONTACT WITH THE ORGANIZATION? WHAT WAS THE CONTEXT?
I joined Cirque in 2010. We were approached by a Talent Scout. He contacted us two weeks after we sent in our letter of retirement to FIG (International Gymnastics Federation) to offer us a position in the show Viva ELVIS. It was the perfect transition. We were in Las Vegas just a month after we finished competing.
Q. WHAT KIND OF EXPERIENCE WAS TRAINING TO PERFORM FOR VIVA ELVIS?
We worked with an acrobatic coach and a dance choreographer to create our act in Viva ELVIS. They helped us develop our characters in the show. We were already playing characters in our regular competition routines, so it’s been rewarding to be able to push our acting even further. I’ve loved having the opportunity to embody the essence of Priscilla Presley every night.
Q. WHAT WAS IT LIKE INTEGRATING INTO THE SHOW?
I think that we started to do the skills that are very traditional to Acrobatic gymnastics but in a new context. It’s very cool since it’s really similar to a competition routine in a way but with more acting and more dance and performance. It allowed us to grow in that aspect.
Q. HOW HAS BEING PART OF A CIRQUE DU SOLEIL SHOW ALLOWED YOU TO EXPRESS YOURSELF IN YOUR DISCIPLINE?
Our act is similar to a competition routine in a way, but with more acting, more dance, and more performance. We were able to do traditional acrobatic gymnastics skills in a new context. For many years we trained to be consistent for competition, and I believe this has helped us to be consistent every night in the show. We take pride in giving our best performance to each and every audience.
Q. WHAT DO YOU LIKE THE MOST ABOUT BEING PART OF CIRQUE DU SOLEIL?
There are so many things I love about working for this company, but if I had to pick one thing, I would say that I love the performance aspect. Every audience brings a new energy. Even though I am doing the same acts every night, they feel fresh and exciting every time.
Q. HOW DID THE TRANSITION GO BETWEEN YOUR FORMER CAREER TO YOUR CURRENT CIRQUE CAREER?
Cirque du Soleil has been the best transition from competition to a professional career. I believe it’s the biggest thing you can do after a competitive career in acrobatic gymnastics. Working on a Cirque stage gives you credibility and takes you to the next level as an athlete and performer.
Q. HOW IS LIFE IN LAS VEGAS?
As in any move to a new city, there is an adjustment period. However, there is something very special about immersing yourself in a new place. Las Vegas has a unique and wonderful performance community that I am so grateful to be a part of.
Q. WHAT WOULD BE YOUR ADVICE OR SUGGESTION TO YOUNG PEOPLE FROM ACROBATIC GYMNASTICS?
Keep being passionate about the sport and develop the performance aspect of your routines. Also, consider taking some acting and dance classes on the side, because it will help your performance within the sport as well as in a future career.
Q. WHAT OPPORTUNITIES HAS CIRQUE GIVEN YOU?
A lot of amazing experiences! We were able to travel and do many guests appearances at various special events, including live TV performances. One of my favorite opportunities was going to Graceland to perform at Elvis Week.
Q. WHY WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THAT AN ARTIST JOIN CIRQUE?
I think Cirque du Soleil takes incredible care of their artists. All you have to do is focus on performing, and everything else is taken care of. The creativity that you are around is unlike anywhere else. It is so inspiring. Acrobatically and artistically, I believe it’s the best environment you can be in.
Stay tuned for more pieces of this series coming soon! In Part Three: Lionel Hamel (Stringed instruments), Lisa Skinner (Artistic gymnastics),Marco De Santi (Extreme sports), Melissa Urbano (Martial arts), and Michael Joseph Hachey (Stringed instruments). In Part Four: Miho Kono (Synchronized swimming), Miro Lacasse (Physical Actors), Noriko Takahashi (Diverse abilities), Odmaa Bayartsogt (Other disciplines), and Oleksandr Pylypenko (Athletes). In Part Five: Paulo Lorador (Balancing), PJ Bogart (Diving), Raphaël Sanchez (Keyboards), Ross Gibson (Tumbling), and Sabú Alegría (Wheels). And in the final installment: Suo Liu (Martial arts), Tumelo “Michael” Moloi (Other dance styles), Vanessa Convery (Jazz & Tap dance), Zara Tellander (Female vocals), and Zeng jiao JIAN (Martial arts).
