Stepping into the vibrant world of Cirque du Soleil’s OVO at the iconic Royal Albert Hall was an adventure that began with an unusual resolution: to confront personal challenges head-on. This year, instead of focusing on what to give up, I committed to saying “yes” to new experiences, including the thrilling opportunity to train alongside talented performers from Cirque du Soleil.
Walking toward the historic venue in Kensington, London, I was filled with anticipation. Many illustrious acts have graced this stage, and now I was about to join them in a rather unconventional way. My transformation into a giant green cricket, while daunting, proved to be just the beginning of this extraordinary journey.
As I entered the rehearsal space, I was greeted by the sight of acrobats, including Ramarni Levena, a 20-year-old British world champion tumbler, soaring through the air with astonishing ease. Their agility and precision were captivating, and I found myself hoping to achieve even a fraction of their skill during my training session.
Ramarni described his experience with Cirque du Soleil as a dream come true. “You grow up watching it, and suddenly you’re part of it,” he shared. After completing a training run, he approached me with a smile and a bag full of makeup. He assured me that perfecting the cricket look would take about 15 minutes, though my novice attempt required a little more time and guidance.
Dressed in a slimy, acid-green costume, I faced the challenge of aerial straps, which involved swinging and spinning through the air. The costume, handmade and taking around 75 hours to produce, was designed to be both rigid and flexible, allowing me to move freely. Once I finally donned the complete outfit, I was ready to embrace the thrill of flight.
Training took place deep within the Royal Albert Hall, where a fully equipped gym catered to the performers’ rigorous schedule. Ramarni mentioned that he had trained every day of the year except for Christmas Day, illustrating the dedication required for such a demanding profession. As I attempted to mimic the acrobats’ moves, I quickly became enamored with the sensation of flying on the straps.
The experience of soaring through the air was exhilarating, and I felt a newfound sense of freedom. The instructors guided me through the basics, leading to moments of pure joy as I swung back and forth, feeling almost weightless. My attempts at foot juggling with oversized kiwi fruit, while challenging, provided another layer of excitement. I was amazed by the precision exhibited by the expert gymnasts around me.
“I’d never even thought about acrobatics or gymnastics until my granny took me to one of the Cirque du Soleil shows for my 13th birthday,”
said Lydia Harper, the artistic director of OVO. At just 33 years old, she has taken on the role of leading this vibrant production after years of experience as an acrobat and coach. Her story of inspiration reflects the transformative power of the circus arts.
OVO celebrates the diversity of life through breathtaking acrobatics, showcasing the daily activities of an insect colony. The show features crickets leaping and tumbling, fiery dancers, and a love story wrapped around the theme of biodiversity. Each act flows seamlessly into the next, creating a spectacle that captivates audiences.
The production includes impressive structures, such as a climbing wall measuring 19.5 metres wide and 9 metres high, and an inflatable egg that stands 8.5 by 6 metres. With aerial straps suspended 14 metres above the ground, the performance is both visually stunning and technically intricate.
Participating in this experience allowed me to understand the dedication required of Cirque du Soleil performers. Each movement is precise, purposeful, and infused with the energy of the entire cast. Ramarni’s high-energy performance brought the audience to life, demonstrating the profound impact of their artistry.
As the show runs until March 1, 2024, there is still time for audiences to experience the magic of OVO. Tickets are available on the Cirque du Soleil website, offering an opportunity to witness this spectacular celebration of nature and talent.
Reflecting on my journey, I understand that embracing challenges can lead to unexpected rewards. Dressing as a fluorescent green cricket at the Royal Albert Hall was not just a personal achievement but a reminder to say “yes” to life’s adventures.
