Cast of Cirque Eloize iD love the adrenaline rush on stage
Cirque Eloize iD performers love the adrenaline rush when they take the stage
He jumped from one platform to another while on his seatless, custom-made bicycle, and then bounced down a narrow ramp.
And to top it off, he balanced his Crewkerz two-wheeler at the edge of a wall about 6m high.
Frenchman Thibaut Philippe, 30, is part of contemporary urban circus production Cirque Eloize iD, and his Trial Bike act is one of the show's highlights.
Boasting a cast of 16 acrobats, dancers and contortionists from countries like Spain, Laos and Sweden, the show opened at MasterCard Theatresat Marina Bay Sands yesterday. There will be shows on selected days till March 6.
It's the second time the show is in Singapore. It had a successful two-week run in 2012.
Directed by Canadian Jeannot Painchaud and presented by Base Entertainment Asia, iD transports the audience to the vibrant streets of a metropolitan city.
Philippe, who was not wearing a safety harness during the act, appeared unfazed when asked about his dangerous stunts.
"I've been balancing on bicycles for 16 years. Even though I've fallen countless times, the thrill is what's keeping me here. I just love the adrenaline rush I get when doing stunts," he said.
The former marketing executive, who is pursuing a master's in marketing, added: "In the show, there are so many people doing different things at the same time, so I focus on not hurting myself and the other performers, who are like family to me."
American contortionist Nicole Winter, 22, who is the youngest troupe member, performed the Aerial Silks act.
Winter captivated the audience with her grace as she hung from lengths of white fabric in midair, 6m above the ground.
She majored in contortion for two years at the prestigious National Circus School in Montreal and has been doing ballet since she was four.
She admitted she loves the reaction on people's faces when she performs.
Winter said: "When I bend my body a certain way or sling my legs over my shoulders, they always look amazed and they will ask me, 'How do you do that?'. I'll just laugh the question off."
Diana Gonzalez, 28, who was the first Mexican to perform in Cirque du Soleil's production of Joya, was also one of the highlights of the show.
In iD, Gonzalez twists and turns on a 1.7m-diameter cyr wheel, an acrobatic apparatus that looks like an oversized hula hoop.
She said: "Performing is not like grocery shopping. You need to have a certain amount of control over your mind and the kind of energy that's just bursting out of your body.
"I love what I do. I also love the fact that I'm here with a group of people who make me feel at home."
"I've been balancing on bicycles for 16 years. Even though I've fallen countless times, the thrill is what's keeping me here. I just love the adrenaline rush I get when doing stunts."
- French stunt biker Thibaut Philippe (above) with American contortionist Nicole Winter
FYI
WHAT:
Cirque Eloize iD
WHERE:
Sands Theatre, Mastercard Theatres at Marina Bay Sands
WHEN:
On selected days till March 6.
TICKETS:
From $45, available at Marina Bay Sands box offices and Sistic (sistic.com.sg)
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