Tapis Rouge! | Podcast on RSS.com

Tapis Rouge!

by Guilhem Cauchois

Performing Arts Entertainment News

Season 1

BORIS VERKHOVSKY! The Godfather of Cirque du Soleil

Celebrating 30 years at Cirque du Soleil this year, ‘Uncle Boris’ Verkhovsky mentors us on the many evolutions under the sun. Eloquently highlighting the achievements without shying away from the setbacks of the company, he generously clarifies the role of a coach, acrobatic conception and creation processes. With a lifetime in acrobatics, there are no flips, twists, or drops that fly under his radar!

MASHA TERENTIEVA! Queen of the Hotel Cart Empire

This Cirque baby not only built a brilliant career, but a unique aerial apparatus as well. Masha Terentieva constructs this conversation around her lifelong journey in show business that led to the creation of her aerial hotel cart. Now leased in 7 different shows over the world, this flying cart will need to start taking reservations!

GABRIEL DUBÉ-DUPUIS! Cirque du Soleil's Renaissance Man

It would be difficult to be a hardcore Cirque fan if you do not know this epic, behind the scenes anchor. Much like his life-changing, department-hopping internship at Mystere as a teenager, Gabriel Dubé-Dupuis has filled many shoes for Cirque Du Soleil. From filming with creation teams and backstage management to show calling, all the way to creating shows, he certainly knows this company from the inside out. Who better to link the tales of then and now than someone who has been integrated in the company for 28 years?!

CHARLOTTE O'SULLIVAN! Cirque du Soleil's Hair Hanging Artist Extraordinaire

When life gives you lemons, consult Charlotte Sullivan. Gracefully piloting through some serious turbulence, this woman knows how to shift gears and climb forward. From a decorated hand to hand duo to injury and personal loss, came a friendship that revived her heart and reinvented her career. Now soaring above the big stage of ECHO in a new hair to hair duo, you would never believe she is afraid of heights!

BRETT WHYBORN! Manager of Performance Medicine at Cirque du Soleil

From owning his own clinic in Australia to, literally, running away with the circus, Brett Whyborn offers us insight on prepping and maintaining the peak performance of athletes vs the unique performance rhythm of Cirque Du Soleil artists. Beyond this crazy pacing to sustain and ‘peak’ twice (sometimes 3 times) a day, he expertly integrates the importance of pain science. Tune in to hear this Performance Medicine magician work his therapeutic magic.

MARIE-MICHELLE FABER! Cirque du Soleil's Favorite Singing Aerialist

Openly detailing her career while highlighting some key influences, Marie "Moon" Michelle walks us through the grand chapiteau's of Quidam, Corteo, and Amaluna. Her genuine stage presence, precision, and use of vocals while performing aerial acrobatics makes this artist beautifully unique. Continuing this artistry into motherhood and beyond, you can now appreciate her detailed work in her handcrafted jewelry company, Ellef!

BERNARD PETIOT! The Backbone of Cirque du Soleil's International Headquarter

One of Cirque’s integral behind the scenes VIP’s, Bernard Petiot went from the highest achievements in the world of Olympic gymnastics to being the backbone of Soleil’s international headquarters. By creating support systems and risk assessment for the integration of new artists, he has paved the way for everyone to succeed… safely. In short…. He’s kind of a big deal!

OLGA PIKHIENKO! The Cirque du Soleil Star of Handbalancing

Gracefully navigating the highs and lows of being a decorated stage performer, Olga Pikhienko balances (often on one arm!) our perspective on training, show creation and touring the world as Cirque’s star contortion handbalancer. Not to mention, what it’s like the date the man, the myth, the legendary Guy Laliberte!

DARREN BERSUK! Classic Cirque du Soleil Acrobat, Head Coach, & Writter

From gymnastics to 3 Cirque stages, head coach and writer, Darren transitions us from competitive sport to the high bars of Mystere, straps of the unique Delirium tour, and hand to hand on Saltimbanco. This versatility on stage made him the perfect “pro artist” head coach on Amaluna and writer of a newly published book. “Get Off Your Ass” by Darren Bersuk.. who better to write about health and fitness?

DOMINIQUE LEMIEUX! Cirque du Soleil's Master Costume Designer

With decades of masterful experience and stories that have been folded into every crease of fabric, Dominique sketches out her experience creating costumes for the most iconic characters of Cirque du Soleil. She stitched life into the very first characters of Nouvelle Experience, and poured color into Cirque’s most celebrated shows. Working alongside a stellar creative team, the perfect fit truly does exist!

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