The Tallahassee-Leon County Civic Center was filled this weekend for Cirque du Soleil’s visit to the Big Bend area.
Children were running about the Civic Center wearing the dragon head pieces sold in the lobby. Laughter and excitement filled the air as the lights flickered to signal the beginning of the show.
This year’s show, “Dralion,” attracted thousands of eager fans awaiting a spectacular show, according to Charlotte Brown, marketing director for the TLCCC. The theme was man’s harmony with nature. The four main elements were represented: Blue for air, green for water, ochre for earth and red for fire. Not only did the different outfits represent different elements, but the costumes were made to look like traditional wear from around the world.
The main dancers, who represented the elements, were given ornate costumes. For air, the attire resembled the outfits worn throughout Western Europe during the Renaissance. Water was reminiscent of traditional East Indian clothing, complete with a dazzling crown. Earth was represented through African tribal attire. Fire was shown through old Mongolian dress.
To warm up the crowd, Cirque du Soleil clowns danced and played around the stage and the audience seated on the floor.
As the show began, the audience was taken away to a magical land where physics bend and physical boundaries are blurred. Dancers utilized hanging hoops, silks and harnesses that hoisted them high above the stage. The complicated and breathtaking aerobatics kept audience members on the edge of their seats.
Dancers made trampolines a pivotal part of the show as they bounced back and forth using the momentum to run up walls only to flip from the top back to the trampoline below.
Amy Warmman attended “Dralion” with her young son, and loved the performance.
“It was awesome,” said Warmman. “We were just talking about how scary and dreamlike it was.”
Beverly Barber, FAMU retiree and Tallahassee resident has seen Cirque du Soleil twice in Tallahassee and a few times around the country.
“Awesome. They always put on a great show. I have seen them here once before and was excited to see them again,” said Barber.
“Dralion” will continue its tour, making stops in Panama City and parts of lower Georgia and Alabama.
Cirque du Soleil has also shown Delirium and Saltimblanco at the civic center. This is the first time “Dralion” has made it to Tallahassee.
“It is a traditional show,” said Brown. “This show, in particular, has not been in the arena for very long. It is one of their signature shows from 1999. This year we were excited to have a cast member from Orlando. It is an international cast, so space is very limited.”
It is the first time a Florida resident has performed with Cirque du Soleil in Tallahassee.