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French Club Visits Dralion
By Jennifer Ruiz, Assistant
Editor
The
looming fog set the stage on Saturday, October 23, when the French Club
had the opportunity to explore French culture with a visit to Cirque Du
Soleil, a French-Canadian circus that travels worldwide.
Formed
in Quebec, Canada in 1984, “Soleil” is described by its creators as “a
dramatic mix of circus acts and street entertainment.” It does not rely
on animals in any of its acts. There are six different Cirque Du Soleil
shows. The French Club went to Dralion, the newest of the Cirque
Du Soleil shows.
The
show performs in Santa Monica at the Santa Monica Pier. Thirteen members
of the club attended Monsieur Haine and Madame Antoniak.
Dralion is described best by Mary Duarte (00): “The entire
show was compelling; every act was exciting and kept me on the edge of
my seat!”
The
theme of Dralion combines the themes of the ancient Chinese
circus and the new age format of Cirque Du Soleil. The show emphasizes
the power of life and the four natural elements.
The
music is captivating, alternating from traditional circus music to electro-symphonic
harmonies in a matter of seconds. All the singing throughout the show is
performed live by a band and three opera singers.
Dralion
features 54 artists from ten different countries. Some of the performers
are as young as five years old. The most impressive, however, were the
35 Chinese acrobats.
The
show includes ballet on lights, hoops, juggling, a double trapeze, and
jump roping. Clowns appear throughout the show, but not in the same way
as in a traditional circus. The clowns interact with random audience members
before the start of each show.
If
you have an opportunity to catch the show, the French Club definitely recommends
it. Tres magnifique!
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