Cirque du Soleil brings CRYSTAL its first-ever ice experience to the Angel of the Winds Arena (formerly Everett Event Center and Comcast Arena). There will be only eight spine-tingling performances only April 10-14, 2019.
Juggling in Cirque du Soleil’s CRYSTAL (Photo by Matt Beard 2018)
Cirque du Soleil is thrilled to return to Everett, Washington with its coolest arena show yet – CRYSTAL. This one of a kind arena production blends circus arts and the world of ice skating in a stunning new production that will take the audience on a journey into a whimsical frozen playground where figure skating mingles with acrobatics and aerial feats.
Equality365 interviewed Jorge Pettit (main juggler in CRYSTAL) and Julie Desmarais (publicist for CRYSTAL) to learn more about Cirque du Soleil’s first foray onto the ice. Get tickets and more info here.
Earle: Could you tell me a bit about the show you are bringing to Everett?
Julie: Yes, Crystal is Cirque du Soleil’s 42nd creation but also their first production on ice. We really wanted to bring two disciplines together when we created Crystal. We wanted to combine both ice skating and acrobatics. We did a lot of research and development to bring together the two worlds and from there Crystal was created.
Earle: What was the most challenging part since this is your first show on ice?
Julie: Ice itself is a big challenge. It also presents great opportunities. It really brings the two disciplines together and brings a new dimension to our show. We have the speed and motion of the skating while we continue to harness the gravity-defying skills of the acrobats.
Earle: Did you have to design any specific tools to help the acrobats on the ice?
Julie: Well, all of the skaters had to learn acrobatics and all of the acrobats had to learn to skate. The skaters are always on skates but the acrobats have some special shoes that we created for them. The shoes have spikes on them which allows them to do tumbling and pyramid towers. They can walk, run and perform on the ice like you would expect acrobats at any Cirque du Soleil show.
Earle: How did these shoes come about?
Julie: We actually designed them. They were created by our wardrobe and design team. We are at the 28th prototype. These shows have been evolving for about a year now. They do allow the acrobats to be safe on the ice and do what we are used to seeing in one of our shows. Ice is the main element of the stage.
Earle: Hi Jorge. How does juggling and ice skating fit together for you?
Jorge: My act is to juggle on ice skates. I had to learn to ice skate. I have never done it before. I am the main juggler. I have never seen anything like it before.
Earle: What was your biggest challenge in learning to ice skate?
Jorge: I think in combining both ice skating and juggling. First, I had to learn how to skate properly. Then, I had to work on combing the two disciplines. I had to really work on my juggling technique to accomplish the same precision on ice skates.
Earle: How long did you train before you were comfortable with the two together?
Jorge: I would say about four months. The creation took about three months. We trained everyday for about six to eight hours. It was a lot. After about four months I was more comfortable and less stressed about the performance and show.
Earle: What is your favorite part of the show?
Jorge: It is hard to pick a specific part. I admire all of my coworkers. They are all super good and very talented performers. It is hard to choose one. I really enjoyed the hand balancing act that I am a part of. It is very impressive. I like the extreme skaters. I like the trapeze. I like everything.
Connect With Cirque du Soleil’s CRYSTAL
Facebook: www.facebook.com/CrystalbyCirqueduSoleil
Twitter: www.twitter.com/cirque
Instagram: http://instagram.com/cirquedusoleil
YouTube: www.youtube.com/cirquedusoleil
