SO, WANT TO BE A CIRCUS STAR?
Yohann Trépanier
Role: Juggler, Bicycle Acrobat From: St-Simon-Les-Mines, Que. Troupe: Machine de Cirque Performing for: 13 years
How would you describe circus to an outsider? Circus lies in between sport and art. You can take an idea and explore it in so many ways. It’s all about mixing elements of life. Circus is a very old and well-established discipline but every circus art is different; no two artists have the same profile.
How did you choose this career? It’s a long story. Circus changed my life. I wasn’t interested in anything at school, and I wasn’t on a great path. One night, I was drinking in a park when I met a juggler who taught me how to juggle. I started doing it all the time; I was so happy to have found something I enjoyed. My parents found a circus school in Quebec and began to drive me from our small town to my classes. They were just happy that I had finally found my thing.
What’s your favourite thing about Montréal? There’s always something to do in Montreal. There are so many small shows. I also do some photography so I love photographing the old buildings and graffiti.
Geneviève Morin
Role: Circus Artist From: Laurentides, Que. Troupe: Cirque Alfonse Performing for: 7 years How would you describe circus to an outsider? It’s a blend of many arts, (dance, theatre, music, etc.) but you add acrobatics to make it more exciting.
How did you choose this career? I did gymnastics and dance as a child so it was kind of natural. I had a friend in high school who was fond of circus but too scared to audition at the National Circus School here in Montreal alone, so she asked me to go with her. I did, and now here I am!
What’s your favourite thing about Montreal? It’s really nice to have four different seasons; it affects your mood and adds variety to the type of activities you can do. Also, the people are really sociable.
Antoine Carabinier Lépine
Role: Co-founder, co-artistic director and circus artist for Cirque Alfonse From: St-Alphonse-Rodriguez, Que. Troupe: Cirque Alfonse Performing for: 15 years
How would you describe circus to an outsider? It’s trying to do movements and acrobatics that most people think are impossible, blended with arts like dance, music, theatre, film, etc. It’s the best job ever!
How did you choose this career? My parents brought me to see a year-end show by the National Circus School of Montreal and that’s when I fell in love with circus.
What’s your favourite thing about Montreal? The people and the multiculturalism that make Montreal so full of life!
Élise Bergeron
Role: Dancer From: Val d’Or, Que. Troupe: Freelance dancer, co-choreographer of Strictement {a}statique Performing for: 5 years professionally, 26 years in total How would you describe circus to an outsider? Circus is crazy; performers attempt the craziest things that they can do. They’re always playing on the edge of danger and control. Circus is adrenalin in a pure state! How did you choose this career? I didn’t choose to dance, I just followed my gut.
What’s your favourite thing about Montreal? Independent art overruns the city; it’s everywhere. Every day, you can choose to go listen to a music show at Quai des Brumes on the Plateau, or stop in at an art gallery in Villeray or go see a theatre or dance show in Zone Homa in Hochelaga. Independent art is really active.