Cirque du K dazzles crowd with “Once Upon a Circus”
Cirque du K performers take to the stage to show off a stunning display of acrobatics, aerial silk performance, juggling, contortion, and more.
By Hunter Parsons, Staff Writer
Last Friday and Saturday, Cirque du K held its 5th annual spring performance in Dalton Theatre. Entitled “Once Upon a Circus,” this year’s theme was centered on fairytales such as Jack in the Beanstalk, Peter Pan, and Snow White and the Seven Dwarves.
Unlike some of Cirque’s other shows, the performances on stage incorporated familiar plots from childhood favorites into the awe-inspiring display of the circus. Directed by Jessa Gardner (K’13), the magical show captivated viewers of all ages, constantly keeping the audience engaged with varied acts.
Peter Pan started the audience off right with an unexpected rollerblade loop off the stage. Juggling, hula-hooping, aerial performances, and many other acts showcased K students’ talents. After multiple six-hour practices to gear up for the show, it is evident that their practice was not in vain. Some notable performances included Rachel Alworth’s (K’11) aerial silk performance as Snow White. During the infamous apple scene, Alworth, secured high in the silks, bit into the apple and “fell,” pulling herself back and let the silks secure her as she slid down to the safety mat.
But it didn’t stop there. Whether is was rollerblading around Dalton or using the balcony, Cirque refused to limit itself to the main stage. With the buildup of each story came an introduction to more acts, many taking place at once. In Snow White’s mining scene, the stage lights went out, and on came glow-in-the-dark poi and juggling with swirling colors.
In Jack and the Beanstalk, different aerial acts took place to show the very-smiley Erica Fiekowsky (K’12) as Jack, climbing the beanstalk while passing fluttering birds, and showed various other contortion displays. Snow White’s magical mirror, played by Abby Fraser (K’15), involved a shiny silver body suit and aerial loop. “Once Upon a Circus” was a visual delight and nothing short of imaginative.
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