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. In September, we began with Q&A’s from Anthony Gatto, Claudel Doucet, Denise Stefanie Gonzalez, Eric Scribner, and Eve Castelo Branco. Then Hassan El Hajjami (Hip-hop & Breakdance), Jean-François Houle (Bandleaders), Jeanne Dioman Gbou (Ethnic & Traditional dance), Julia Lopatkina (Acrobatic gymnastics), and Kristin Allen (Gymnastics) in October. We continued last month with: Lionel Hamel (Stringed instruments), Lisa Skinner (Artistic gymnastics), Marco De Santi (Extreme sports), Melissa Urbano (Martial arts), and Michael Joseph Hachey (Stringed instruments). And now here in Part Four: Miho Kono (Synchronized swimming), Miro Lacasse (Physical Actors), Noriko Takahashi (Diverse abilities), Odmaa Bayartsogt (Other disciplines), and Oleksandr Pylypenko (Athletes).
PART FOUR
MIHO KONO
Japan | Synchronized Swimming
Q. WHAT WAS YOUR BIGGEST ATHLETIC ACHIEVEMENT PRIOR TO JOINING?
1997, 1999 Fina Cup – silver medal
1998 World Championship – silver medal
1996 Olympics – bronze medal (Team Japan)
Q. PLEASE TELL US ABOUT YOUR BACKGROUND PREVIOUS TO JOINING CIRQUE?
I was synchronized swimming for 13 years and a member of the Japanese National Team for 5 years.
Q. WHEN DID YOU JOIN CIRQUE DU SOLEIL?
Summer 2000.
Q. WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST CONTACT WITH THE ORGANIZATION? WHAT WAS THE CONTEXT?
My coach knew a performer at Cirque du Soleil and advised me to send my resumé.
Q. WHAT KIND OF AN EXPERIENCE WAS YOUR AUDITION AND/OR TRAINING AND/OR WORKSHOP?
It was totally different from what I had been doing in synchronized swimming. It was a new experience that was both fun and enjoyable for me.
Q. HOW DID YOUR INTEGRATION GO IN THE SHOW?
Integration was difficult at first because of the different cultures and languages, but with time it got easier.
Q. HOW DOES BEING PART OF A CIRQUE DU SOLEILSHOW ALLOW YOU TO EXPRESS YOURSELF IN YOUR DISCIPLINE?
Because we are no longer in “competition mode” we get to explore different ways of expressing ourselves in the water.
Q. WHAT DO YOU LIKE THE MOST ABOUT BEING PART OF CIRQUE DU SOLEIL?
I like that we get to create emotions and sensations in the audience.
Q. HOW DID THE TRANSITION GO BETWEEN YOUR FORMER CAREER TO YOUR CURRENT CIRQUE CAREER?
That was easy because I was synchronized swimming before I joined “O”.
Q. WHY WOULD YOU RECOMMEND AN ARTIST TO JOIN CIRQUE?
I believe Cirque du Soleil is the best of the best and allows us to make the most of our talent in doing our jobs.
Q. HOW IS LIFE IN LAS VEGAS?
It’s great. I find it motivating here because I can always see an event.
Q. ANYTHING ELSE YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE WITH US?
Join us!
MIRO LACASSE
Canada | Actor
Q. WHAT WAS YOUR BIGGEST ARTISTIC ACHIEVEMENT PRIOR TO JOINING?
I spent 11 years acting and creating in both live theatre and film.
Q. PLEASE TELL US ABOUT YOUR ARTISTIC BACKGROUND PREVIOUS TO JOINING?
I have been an actor and creator since 1996.
Q. WHEN DID YOU JOIN CIRQUE DU SOLEIL?
I joined KÀ during its creation in December 2003.
Q. WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST CONTACT WITH THE ORGANIZATION?
I first got to know Cirque du Soleil 20 years ago at a festival in Baie-Saint-Paul, Quebec.
Q. WHAT KIND OF AN EXPERIENCE WAS YOUR AUDITION AND/OR TRAINING AND/OR WORKSHOP?
I was part of a closed laboratory to explore and propose variations for the role of “Counselor”. It was very powerful to work on the writing for this kind of character and very physically taxing.
Q. HOW DID YOUR INTEGRATION GO IN MONTREAL AND IN THE SHOW?
It was very interesting to see the theatrical universe meet the Cirque universe, and incredible to watch the worlds of acrobatic performance and storytelling come together.
Q. HOW DOES BEING PART OF A CIRQUE DU SOLEIL SHOW ALLOW YOU TO EXPRESS YOURSELF IN YOUR DISCIPLINE?
Robert Lepage gave me creative carte blanche so I had a wonderful and very stimulating opportunity to be a part of the creative team… lots of ideas, lots of effort, lots of patience, but mostly lots and lots of love!
Q. WHAT DO YOU LIKE THE MOST ABOUT BEING PART OF CIRQUE DU SOLEIL?
I love the exchange between individuals from different nationalities and backgrounds that bring a great variety of experience and artistic skill along with their rich personalities.
Q. HOW DID THE TRANSITION GO BETWEEN YOUR FORMER CAREER TO YOUR CURRENT CIRQUE CAREER?
One day at a time… In particular I had to learn to deal with my fear of heights because I was to be part of an acrobatic act happening 100 feet in the air. But I managed to conquer my fear with patience, perseverance and a lot of support.
Q. HOW IS LIFE IN LAS VEGAS?
7 AM:Make breakfast,
8:45 AM:Take my kid to school,
between 9 AM and 2:30 PM:Take care of some household duties, and if possible a short nap,
2:45 PM:Pick my child,
4:15:Time to go to work,
5 to 11:20 PM:KÀ
12:15 AM:Go back home
2:00 AM:Go to bed.
NORIKO TAKAHASHI
Japan | Baton Twirling
Q. WHAT WAS YOUR BIGGEST ARTISTIC ACHIEVEMENT PRIOR TO JOINING?
I performed 15 times at the Baton Twirling World Championships where I won 6 gold medals in the Individual Senior Women’s division and 1 gold medal in the Senior Pairs division.
Q. PLEASE TELL US ABOUT YOUR BACKGROUND PREVIOUS TO JOINING CIRQUE:
I began baton twirling in 1976 and performed for the first time in an international competition in 1982.
Q. WHEN DID YOU JOIN CIRQUE DU SOLEIL?
I started in Montreal in February 2004.
Q. WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST CONTACT WITH THE ORGANIZATION? WHAT WAS THE CONTEXT?
My first encounter with Cirque du Soleil was when I went to see their first show to tour Japan called “Fascination”.
Q. WHAT KIND OF AN EXPERIENCE WAS YOUR AUDITION AND/OR TRAINING AND/OR WORKSHOP?
I started my role in KÀ as the show was being created and did not end up having to go through any auditions or workshops. I was truly happy to be a part of the creation of a new show under the guidance of its wonderful creator.
Q. HOW DID YOUR INTEGRATION GO IN MONTREAL AND IN THE SHOW?
Everyone involved was so amiable; it made it easy right from the beginning.
Q. HOW DOES BEING PART OF A CIRQUE DU SOLEILSHOW ALLOW YOU TO EXPRESS YOURSELF IN YOUR DISCIPLINE?
I feel I am able to open up more than before.
Q. WHAT DO YOU LIKE THE MOST ABOUT BEING PART OF CIRQUE DU SOLEIL?
I get to meet many wonderful people and have a chance to share my passion with others.
Q. HOW DID THE TRANSITION GO BETWEEN YOUR FORMER CAREER TO YOUR CURRENT CIRQUE CAREER?
Because I love learning new things, I didn’t find it difficult at all. What’s more, the training I received taught me to believe that nothing is ever too difficult to handle.
Q. WHY WOULD YOU RECOMMEND AN ARTIST TO JOIN CIRQUE?
I feel Cirque has helped me improve myself and fulfill my potential. Also, I have found encouragement in the friendships I have forged here.
Q. HOW IS LIFE IN LAS VEGAS?
Las Vegas is one of America’s most amazing cities. There are impressive natural wonders nearby, and there are so many ways to have a good time!
ODMAA BAYARTSOGT
Mongolia | Contortion
Q. WHAT WAS YOUR BIGGEST ACROBATIC ACHIEVEMENT PRIOR TO JOINING?
2001-2002 Golden Circus Festival in Italy – 2nd place
Performed at the 2000 Expo in Germany
Sweden circus festival in 1998 – 1st place
“Bravo Bravisimo” festival in 1997 in Italy – 2nd place
Q. PLEASE TELL US ABOUT YOUR BACKGROUND PREVIOUS TO JOINING CIRQUE:
I started contortion when I was 8 years old and practiced for 2 years. After that I became a professional artist and went on to perform in Asia and Europe for 7 years.
Q. WHEN DID YOU JOIN CIRQUE DU SOLEIL?
May 2005
Q. WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST CONTACT WITH THE ORGANIZATION?
In Mongolia in 2003, I did an audition for Cirque du Soleil’s casting department.
Q. WHAT KIND OF AN EXPERIENCE WAS YOUR AUDITION?
I had never experienced anything like it before and had so much fun!
Q. HOW DID YOUR INTEGRATION GO IN THE SHOW?
My integration into the show went very smoothly and didn’t take very long. I started at “O” in May and was performing in the show by July.
Q. HOW DOES BEING PART OF A CIRQUE DU SOLEIL SHOW ALLOW YOU TO EXPRESS YOURSELF IN YOUR DISCIPLINE?
Being a part of “O” has helped me reach the top level of my discipline.
Q. WHAT DO YOU LIKE THE MOST ABOUT BEING PART OF CIRQUE DU SOLEIL?
Everything!
Q. HOW DID THE TRANSITION GO BETWEEN YOUR FORMER CAREER TO YOUR CURRENT CIRQUE CAREER?
It was seamless.
Q. WHY WOULD YOU RECOMMEND AN ARTIST TO JOIN CIRQUE?
Just to go to one of the Cirque shows and you will feel the professional artistry!
Q. HOW IS LIFE ON TOUR/IN LAS VEGAS?
Working in Las Vegas is very, very cool. Life was very hectic when I was touring and now I feel more settled.
OLEKSANDR PYLYPENKO
Ukraine | Artistic Gymnastics – High Bar
Q. WHAT WAS YOUR BIGGEST ATHLETIC ACHIEVEMENT PRIOR TO JOINING?
Reached Master of Sport Level
Q. PLEASE TELL US ABOUT YOUR ATHLETIC BACKGROUND PREVIOUS TO JOINING CIRQUE:
I began formal training in gymnastics at age 7 and continued training until I was 18.
Q. WHEN DID YOU JOIN CIRQUE DU SOLEIL?
I began as an artist in Alegría in 2001 then joined Mystère at the end of 2005.
Q. WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST CONTACT WITH THE ORGANIZATION?
I heard about and went to a Cirque audition in Kiev. Following the audition I was invited to general formation but had to wait until I turned 18 to get my passport.
Q. WHAT KIND OF AN EXPERIENCE WAS YOUR AUDITION?
It was a little stressful because being at general formation didn’t guarantee I was going to get a job and the training really pushed me out of my comfort zone.
Q. HOW DID YOUR INTEGRATION GO IN MONTREAL AND IN THE SHOW?
I was given the opportunity to slowly grow into my role in Alegría and I already knew a lot of the artists there from general formation, so it went well. When I joined Mystère I didn’t know as many people but my integration was far easier.
Q. HOW DOES BEING PART OF A CIRQUE DU SOLEILSHOW ALLOW YOU TO EXPRESS YOURSELF IN YOUR DISCIPLINE?
By combining my gymnastic skills with the artistic direction of Cirque du Soleil I get to show the audience something amazing every night.
Q. WHAT DO YOU LIKE THE MOST ABOUT BEING PART OF CIRQUE DU SOLEIL?
The energy you get back from the audience is amazing. You do your performance and people get a great feeling out of it, but the energy they give back is that much more.
Q. WHY WOULD YOU RECOMMEND AN ARTIST TO JOIN CIRQUE?
You are given the chance to express yourself on stage every night where you get to share something amazing with the audience. And you actually get paid to have fun.
Q. HOW IS LIFE IN LAS VEGAS?
Life in Las Vegas is good, your schedule allows time to take classes at the local university or just enjoy what the city has to offer.
Stay tuned for more pieces of this series coming soon! 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).
