I chatted with Gabrielle Martin from Cirque De Soleil: Toruk – The First Flight, about the show and her background as an acrobat.
Q: Where were you born?
Vancouver.
Q: How did you go from AAA Women’s Hockey, to dance?
::laughs:: That’s a good question! I spent my whole life in sports. But I also had a more artistic side. I was introduced to fire dancing and street performance. Dance, and then circus acts were the perfect marriage. Intense physicality with an artistic expression.
Q: What is your favorite style of dance?
Contemporary. That can mean a lot of things though. You can’t exactly pinpoint what it is. It’s a mix of ballet and modern dance techniques.
Q: Out of all the talents you possess, which is your favorite and why?
Ohh that’s tough. As a performer, I’m passionate about aerial acrobatics. I love the physical challenges..and of course the rush you get when suspended in midair. It’s a novelty that’s never worn off. There’s something very powerful, and metaphoric about a body being suspended in mid air. It defies gravity…awe inspiring.
Q: What was it like being a part of the Torino Closing Ceremonies?
That was incredible. That was my first large scale performance. It brought in so many different performers from around the world. It was a great learning experience..I was terrified! ::laughs::
Q: What is your role in Cirque De Soleil: Toruk – The First Flight?
It has a lot of ensemble cast members. As a cast, we’re divided into a few clans. It features a story that is weaved throughout the show.
Q: How do you stay in shape?
I spend a lot of time at the venue during the tour with a very full rehearsal and show schedule. I’ll try to find a quick moment to stretch, do weight training, or Pilates. As a group, we’ll help each other out and have random contortionist class, or random exercise time.
Q: Are you excited about your trip to Baltimore?
Yes! I’ve never been. I love coming to a new city and exploring it as much as I can. So far, the crowds have been very supporting. It’s wonderful to see them react, especially children. It’s a visually stunning show.
Cirque De Soleil Toruk – The Final Flight soars into Baltimore TONIGHT!
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