Where Do They Find Cirque Stars?

Cirque Dreams Illuminationwill be raising some questions this weekend at the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center. You will at times be caught speechless by the extraordinary acts, but you should also expect to hear the occasional “Wow,” “Oh my gosh!” and “How do they do that?” One other question you’ll probably find yourself asking is, “Where do they find these people?” 

While the idea of running off to join the circus may be more of a casual throwback to the past for most, circus traditions live on throughout the world. Many of the performers in Cirque Dreams Illumination carry on family traditions, learning their skills from generations of circus performers. Several of the performers you’ll see have traveled from Russia, Belarus, Ukraine and Uzbekistan where they studied at schools like The Mongolian School of Contortion, The Russian State College for Variety Arts and the Republic College of Olympic Reserve. Curious what they study? Check out the Ecole National de Cirque in Montreal.

One of Cirque Dreams Illumination’s performers you may recognize from your living room. Robert Muraine gained national attention showing off his L.A. style popping on FOX’s “So You Think You Can Dance” and a national IKEA ad campaign titled “What Goes Where.” Having gotten his start as a street performer, Muraine adds another unique layer to Cirque Dreams Illumination, where the artistic interpretation of the big top meets the stage. 

Do you have a unique talent that’s Cirque-worthy?Enter the Fox Cities P.A.C. Sideshow on Facebook! We can’t promise a career under the big top, but your talent could get you two tickets to Cirque DreamsIllumination on Saturday, December 18 at 2:00 p.m. Upload a pic of your talent to the Center's Facebook page by 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 15 for your chance to win!