{"id":9989,"date":"2020-02-10T07:00:00","date_gmt":"2020-02-10T07:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/healthylivinglondon.com\/?p=9989"},"modified":"2020-08-16T21:06:42","modified_gmt":"2020-08-16T20:06:42","slug":"interview-cirque-du-soleil-performing-artist-shelli-epstein","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/healthylivinglondon.com\/hellofitty\/interview-cirque-du-soleil-performing-artist-shelli-epstein\/","title":{"rendered":"INTERVIEW: Cirque Du Soleil Performer Shelli Epstein"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"Cirque<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Cirque du Soleil returns to the Royal Albert Hall<\/a>, with it\u2019s incredible and ground breaking 30th<\/sup> anniversary production of LUZIA<\/a>, which brings traditional and contemporary circus disciplines to a whole new level.\u00a0With inspired acrobatic performances from an international cast, who display breath-taking acts of strength and agility, combined with playfulness and striking artistry. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Healthy Living London\u2019s Lucinda caught up with one of the show\u2019s leading ladies, and fellow Londoner, Shelli Epstein to find out just what it takes to be a performing artist in one of the world\u2019s greatest circus companies. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

LUZIA<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

LUZIA is themed around a ‘Waking Dream of Mexico’ and invites the audience to escape to an imaginary and enchanting world suspended between dreams and reality.\u00a0 Brand new acts and special effects include incorporating rainfall into acrobatic sequences \u2013 a feat that has never been used before at the iconic London venue and is also a first for a Cirque du Soleil touring production.\u00a0 <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Shelli
Shelli Epstein, grew up in North London and plays ‘Running Woman’ in Luzia<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

As a Londoner, how does it feel to be performing one of the lead characters in Luzia in front of your hometown at the Royal Albert Hall? <\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

I grew up in Hendon, in north-west London, so I feel so excited to be performing here at the Royal Albert Hall.\u00a0It feels like a dream.\u00a0 From the first moment I run out on the stage, I get goose bumps. I can only describe it as a euphoric experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How long have you worked as a circus\nartist and what inspired you to join Cirque du Soleil?<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

I’ve been with Cirque for four years, since this show opened. I was working for another circus show in China when I auditioned for Luzia, and was so happy to get offered the part.\u00a0 Immediately I accepted and haven\u2019t looked back.\u00a0I first saw a performance of Cirque du Soleil at the Royal Albert Hall with my family, when I was about 11-years-old.\u00a0After that show, I said to my parents, this is what I wanted to do, and so it really is a dream come true!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You started out as a gymnast, how\nimportant is that for a career in the circus?<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Gymnastics is a great foundation, although Cirque also looks for other factors, such as performance and being versatile \u2013 so someone who has all attributes. It definitely helps if you can sing and act as well as being an acrobat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Luzia<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Tell us about your character in Luzia,\nRunning Woman?<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Running Woman is a character inspired by the Tarahumaras, a native Mexican tribe, renowned for their ultra-marathon and bare-foot running ability. She is part monarch butterfly, part woman, and as she runs and spreads her \u201cbutterfly wings\u201d she represents the annual journey the monarch butterfly makes as it migrates from southern Canada to central Mexico.\u00a0She is a very strong female character, and I feel very proud to represent that.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You’re also a Russian swing flyer, which looks incredible, but also terrifying!  Do you get nervous at all?<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Yes!\u00a0 If I didn\u2019t get nervous, then it\u2019s a concern.\u00a0I still have fear, and that keeps me in check, and keeps me focused and present. It is a little \u201cout there\u201d performing in the swing-to-swing, but I love it. I manage my nerves with a breathing technique, similar to that used in yoga, and this is really helpful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Russian
A Russian Swing is a large, floor-mounted swing on which two or more acrobats stand on, pumping it back and forth until it is swinging in high arcs. The flyer jumps from the swing to perform impressive summersaults in the air and lands on another swing swinging in a synchronized tempo<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

What does a typical working day look\nlike for you? What time do you wake \/ eat \/ train?<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

I like to go to a workout class in the mornings. Here in London, I have been enjoying Barry\u2019s Boot Camp, which is great! I love my workouts.\u00a0They\u2019re my \u201cme time\u201d and I really value that time for myself. I then fuel my body with good, nutritious food, before starting to prepare for the show. First getting in character and applying my make-up, then warming up before it\u2019s showtime!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What does your training routine entail?<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Alongside morning workouts, my training is specific to the disciplines I am performing in.\u00a0For the Russian Swing, we practice three times a week on stage to maintain and build on our routines and try new things.\u00a0I am also a back-up hoop diver, so we also have three practices a week for this as well.\u00a0 I have a weakness in my ankle, so I also have to be disciplined in maintaining that with regular physio exercises, that I do three to four times a week.\u00a0We have physios who travel with the company, that help to keep any niggles and injuries in check, which is great.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is the greatest challenge you have\nencountered in your work?<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

The Russian swing has been the biggest mental challenge for me to overcome.\u00a0It has really tested me as person, to see what I can endure and overcome, in terms of mental blocks and fear factors.\u00a0 I have been able to come back stronger than I thought and that\u2019s been really good, and rewarding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

What do you love most about your job?<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

The people I get to work with every day!\u00a0 Everyone is so happy and positive and motivating.\u00a0It\u2019s wonderful working alongside people from so many different nationalities, and who are so willing to teach and learn.\u00a0 It\u2019s an amazing place to work.\u00a0I feel so lucky.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How do you relax on your days off and\nwhat do you like to do?<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

I am really\nenjoying spending time with family and friends and making the most of my time\nhere with them.  I left home at age 18,\nand so I feel like I am falling in love with London all over again!  It\u2019s such an amazing city and has so much to\noffer.  I\u2019ve been to the theatre and just\nbeen enjoying walking around and taking in the architecture.  It\u2019s so pleasantly charming.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What advice do you have for anyone\ninterested in becoming a performing artist in Cirque du Soleil? <\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

My word of advice is that hard work pays off.\u00a0If you have a goal set in your mind, just go for it and follow your dream!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

More Information:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n