Dralion's Goddess of the Air Interview With ChiIL Mama #original video interview

Who saw a Cirque du Soleil show at age 12 and told her Mom, "That's what I want to do when I grow up"....and did it?!   (Her mom just flew in from Orlando last week to see her daughter fly through the air on silks at Allstate Arena).


Who trains for and runs triathlons when she's not rocking the aerial arts in Dralion's graceful love story? (Her partner on the silks for the last two years is also her personal trainer and good friend.)

Who can you see LIVE at United Center through July 1, dazzling in cobalt blue, as Azala, Goddess of the Air?  (this tiny but mighty girl has a lofty job description as keeper of the sun and the guardian of immortality.)

Meet Amanda Orozco, fascinating aerial artist with Dralion and world class athlete.   

Dralion Rocks United Center Through July 1 #original live show shots

ChiIL Mama/ChiIL Live Shows original live show shots-Dralion, Chicago 2012 (full set).    Double click on the slide show to go to SmugMug and browse through the photos at your own rate.

We were so stoked to be invited to shoot the first act of Dralion LIVE, during their two weeks in the Chicago area.  Cirque du Soleil's Dralion is THE must see this summer.  What better way to celebrate 2012--The Year of the Dragon?  

Costume Facts:

(*Via Cirque du Soleil Dralion's site)

The primary sources of inspiration for the costumes of Dralion come from China, India and Africa. The palette favors vibrant solid colors, while the shapes are guided by the artists’ movements and choreography.

Each of the four elements and its associated family are represented by their own unique color. Blue is identified with air, green symbolizes water, red is for fire, and ochre represents the earth.

• Over 5,000 meters (16,000 feet) of fabric were used in creating the costumes;
• The fabrics come from regions around the globe, including China, the United States, Italy, France, England and Quebec;
• Materials that might be considered unusual were used in creating costumes and accessories: horse hair, raffia, metal, window screen, emu feathers, crystals, Styrofoam, plastic, bubble wrap, fun fur, springs and an array of hardware items
• To create the texture on the chest plate on the singer’s costume, bugs were glued on and then molded into different shapes;
• The artisans at the Cirque du Soleil costume workshop in Montreal worked for over three months fabricating the original costumes, hats, wigs and footwear required for Dralion. New costumes are continuously made.
• The majority of the Dralion costumes are custom-made for each artist, including shoes and head pieces.
• Dralion has close to 1500 costume pieces including shoes, hats and accessories.
• The Dralion wardrobe team includes 4 permanent touring staff and 3 local wardrobe employees in each city. The wardrobe team is responsible for maintaining and repairing all costumes.
• The Dralion tour travels with washers and dryers because most costume pieces are machine washable and then hung to dry.
• Over 300 pairs of shoes are cleaned and painted by hand every week

The Set:

A mammoth structure creates the huge backdrop that dominates the stage. This metallic set piece is 60 feet wide and 26 feet tall and is suggestive of a futuristic Chinese temple or a giant plate of medieval armor.

The most imposing feature is the metallic wall which spans the full length of the stage. Covered with perforated aluminum tiles, the wall is strong and resilient while giving the impression of being light and flexible. The six giant claws attached to the structure allow artists to climb and suspend themselves from the wall.

Three concentric aluminum rings are suspended high above the stage. The first serves as a catwalk for performers and technicians. The second is used to support technical and acrobatic equipment, including the enormous lantern that descends at the end of the first half of the show. The third ring is used to move performers up, down and through the world of Dralion.

What is Dralion:

Fusing the 3000 year-old tradition of Chinese acrobatic arts with the multidisciplinary approach of Cirque du Soleil, Dralion draws its inspiration from Eastern philosophy and its never-ending quest for harmony between humans and nature. The show's name is derived from its two emblematic creatures: the dragon, symbolizing the East, and the lion, symbolizing the West.

In Dralion, the four elements that govern the natural order take on a human form. Thus embodied, each element is represented by its own evocative colour: air is blue; water is green; fire is red; earth is ochre. In the world of Dralion, cultures blend, Man and Nature are one, and balance is achieved.

Characters:

(*Via Wikipedia)

Dralion features 50 members in its performance troupe.   Here are the major players

• Azala (air): The goddess of air who is dressed in blue, keeper of the sun and the guardian of immortality.
• Gaya (earth): The goddess of earth, dressed in ochre.
• Océane (water): The goddess of water, dressed in green.
• Yao (fire): The god of fire, dressed in red, who is both good and evil.
• L'Âme Force: The show's singers who symbolize harmony between the four elements.
• Kala: Represents the heart of the wheel of time, making time evolve.
• Little Buddha: The chosen child who possesses powers that will eventually allow him to become an Âme-Force, but dreams of being a regular child.
• Dralions:   Dralions: Mythical creatures inspired by the imagery of the Chinese lion dance and dragon dance.
• Clowns: The clowns manage to push this otherwise harmonious universe slightly off-kilter.    

Acts: 
The acts of Dralion combine unique western and eastern acrobatic skills.

• Single handbalancing: A single woman balances on one hand and accomplishes a variety of poses.
• Bamboo poles: Five acrobats twirl and throw 25-foot-long (7.6 m) bamboo poles while Yao waves a flag as the acrobats jump over it.
• Juggling: An artist performs juggling infused with breakdancing and acrobatics.
• Trampoline: A group of acrobats perform on trampolines using the set's futuristic backdrop both as a diving board and landing pad.
• Dralions: Three acrobats and three Dralions perform tumbling feats and Chinese lion dance-like dance.
• Medusa: A group of artists execute graceful and lithe movements, in the style of acrosport.
• Aerial hoop: A single artist performs choreography using a hoop suspended in mid-air.
• Spirits: Four couples perform a gravity-defying ballet.
• Aerial pas de deux: Azala and her male counterpart perform an aerial dance in silks.
• Hoop diving: Acrobats jump through a tower of hoops, which is sometimes spinning.
• Skipping ropes: A group of acrobats perform jump rope alone or together in pyramids and in towers.

WHAT THE MEDIA SAY ABOUT THE SHOW:

"I would recommend Dralion highly to those who can appreciate the artistry and acrobatic talent displayed in the show."

The Examiner

"Truly a wonderful experience."

Reading Eagle

"Cirque's unpretentious "Dralion" offers one visual gravity-defying stunner after another."

The Philadelphia Inquirer

Make some lasting family memories with this multicultural feast for the senses.  Hurry and book your tickets today.   Dralion is only in Chicago at The United Center through July 1!   Click here for tickets and more.

Behind The Scenes at Cirque du Soleil's Dralion #behind the scenes photos

ChiIL Mama/ChiIL Live Shows original behind the scenes shots-Dralion, Chicago 2012.  Double click on the slide show to go to SmugMug and browse through the photos at your own rate.

ChiIL Mama/ChiIL Live Shows was thrilled to be invited to rehearsal and a private behind the scenes tour.  The care, creativity, talent, and attention to the smallest detail that makes Cirque du Soleil shows so stunning was even more apparent up close.   The grace, pageantry, live music, handmade costumes, stunningly original acts, and gorgeous set design are unrivaled.   

The clowns are a nod to good old fashioned physical comedy and Vaudeville Acts from days of old.   The aerials and acrobatics are a sophisticated, artistic, melding of not only Eastern and Western cultures but of traditional, ancient circus arts and modern twists.   If you're looking for death defying hype like motorcycles in a metal globe, head for Navy Pier and check out Cirque Shanghai.   If you have an appreciation for the finer things in life, the intricate beauty of Cirque du Soleil is well worth the price.

We've loved their shows for years and were happy to cover Ovo, shoot video interviews with the performers, and offer our readers tickets for Quidam and Dralion.  Check back in early and often.   *We have another original Dralion cast interview with Amanda Orozco, Goddess of the Air right here.  

If you missed our prior video interviews with acro-dance juggler extraordinaire, Vladik, and Dralion PR maven, Vanessa, click here.   We cover a LOT of circus arts and Cirque du Soleil has never failed to astonish us.    

ChiIL Mama's Favorite Dralion 2012 Fun Facts:

Back stage there's a trampoline, weights, a full gym, Spanish web, and outdoor sports gear for fun and fitness.  A number of the performers run together and  book races ranging from 5k's to triathlons that coincide with their show dates in a given town.   While in Chicago, various Dralion performers and crew ran in both a half marathon and a 5k the weekend of June 23rd/24th!!  

The globes are made of wood and hand painted in house

The silks for the bamboo pole act are hand painted, as are the costume fabric patterns which are unique to Dralion

New hats are traded out anywhere from approx. every 3 months for the hoop divers who are hard on their head pieces, to closer to once a year for others.   These fabulous headpieces were brand new when we got a sneak peek at the impressive wardrobe area.

Make some lasting family memories with this multicultural feast for the senses.  Hurry and book your tickets today.   Dralion is only in Chicago at The United Center through July 1!   Click here for tickets and more.

Cirque du Soleil's Dralion Opens Tonight-Win 4 Free Tickets Right Here #Giveaway

ChiIL Mama/ ChiIL Live Shows has 4 free tickets to see Dralion THIS Saturday at 3:30pm at Allstate Arena, for one lucky reader!  



Enter right here through midnight this Thursday, for your chance to win, then check back Friday 6/22 when we'll announce our winner.

Spread the word and enter like we vote in Chi, IL...early and often!!   This one's short and sweet.

*Wait for Rafflecopter to load up right here (if you've gone
through RSS feed or are scrolling down the blog and don't see it,
click on the actual page title and it should pop right up).  Entries accepted nationwide.   Enter like we vote in Chi, IL...early and often.   Winning rocks!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

**Also enter to win 4 Tickets to Disney's Beauty and The Beast Musical--by Chicago Shakespeare Theatre by clicking right here.  You have 5 days left to enter.

We're so stoked to be heading out to Allstate Arena this afternoon to shoot some hoops--not basketball, but Cirque du Soleil style, at Dralion's rehearsal.  We'll likely even have another surprise performer video interview for you!  

Check out our original Dralion Interviews With Vanessa and Vladik here.

Check out ChiIL Mama/ChiIL Live Shows interview with Vanessa, Senior PR Spokesperson for Cirque du Soleil's Touring Shows.  She gave us the scoop on Dralion, the perfect show to see during 2012--the Chinese year of the Dragon!  See clips of Dralion performers in action and get the story behind the show right here.  Dralion is coming to both Allstate Arena and United Center in Chicago this summer, starting June 20th.

Click
here for our full prior Dralion coverage on Vanessa including upcoming
local philanthropy with CircEsteem, ticket purchasing links, and more.

Check out ChiIL Mama/ChiIL Live Shows exclusive interview with Vladik, juggler with Cirque du Soleil's Dralion.    It was truly a pleasure to chat with the 28 year old who was born into the Moscow Circus.   He now combines elements of acro and dance with his juggling routines.



Click here for our full prior Dralion Coverage on Vladik Then get your tickets today and make some Year of the Dragon memories!

Dralion Video Interview-ChiIL Live Shows Chats With Cirque du Soleil

We thoroughly enjoyed catching up with Vanessa Napoli, Senior PR Spokesperson for Cirque du Soleil's Touring Shows.    She gave us the scoop on Dralion, opening at Allstate Arena this Wednesday, June 20th, then playing at United Center the following week.   Check out our original interview above, interspersed with Dralion live show clips, courtesy of Cirque du Soleil.   We'll be there for opening night and will have a full show review up shortly thereafter.    

  

If you missed it earlier, we also had the opportunity to interview Dralion's talented and charming young acro-juggler, Vladik.   Click here to check out our original interview with him.

One of the questions I asked Vanessa was about Cirque du Soleil's history of philanthropic partnerships in the cities they visit.  She told us they do usually try to partner up with local circus arts organizations, especially deserving non profits, but she didn't have specific details at the time.  We just got word that Dralion has indeed donated tickets to Chicago's CircEsteeem, so their young team and pre-team performers can catch the show.  They will also be running some special workshops with the CircEsteem kids!   Unfortunately, we'll be out of town shooting a travel piece, but if we can find another shooter, and if Dralion green lights it, we'll share stills and video from the workshop here as well.

Make 2012--The Chinese Year of the Dragon one to remember for your family! 

Catch Dralion performances in Rosemont at Allstate Arena (June 20-24) and Chicago at United Center (June 27-July 1).   Click here for tickets and more information.

Cirque du Soleil's Dralion is Coming to Chicago #Original Video Interview

ChiIL Live Shows caught up with Dralion performer, Vladik, a rockin' young juggler and musician (born into the Moscow Circus), who now combines acrobatic tricks and modern dance in his juggling routine.    Check out our original video interview above then check him out live in the Chi-town area starting June 20th!

What's part Dragon...part lion...all astounding and coming to Allstate and United Center?    Cirque du Soleil’s Dralion!

Make 2012--The Chinese Year of the Dragon one to remember for your family! 

Catch Dralion performances in Rosemont at Allstate Arena (June 20-24) and Chicago at United Center (June 27-July 1)

Spotlight On:

Vladik Miagkostupov
Act:        Juggling
Country:              Vinetza, Ukraine
Date of birth:     January 27, 1984
Languages spoken:         Russian, English

Vladik’s love of performing was cultivated at a very young age as he was born into a creative family. Both of his parents were part of the Moscow Circus. At the age of 4, his parent started his training in dancing and acrobatics. His father, who is a juggler, taught Vladik juggling. His professional career started at the age of 9. Since then, he performed in more than 30 countries as well, for renowned companies such as Lido de Paris in Paris, Le Cabaret in Monte Carlo and with Dralion by Cirque du Soleil. He won several awards including the gold medal in Paris at the Cirque de Demain competition.

Cirque du Soleil saw him at the Cirque de Demain’s competition and then invited him to send a video. Vladik joined Cirque du Soleil in 2003 as a performer in Solstrom by Cirque du Soleil. He joined Dralion on tour in 2006. His act is not just an ordinary juggling act but includes a modern mix of juggling, dance and acrobatics. He now returns in Dralion for the North America Arena tour.

Vladik was personable and awesome to interview and we are sooo stoked to see him in action LIVE in a few weeks!  

We also caught up with Drailion's PR expert, Vanessa, for an exclusive video interview, coming soon.    She's got the scoop on the whole show and what wonders await.     

Click here to get your tickets today and do up the Year of The Dragon in style with unforgettable Dralion!