Local students get behind the scenes look at Cirque du Soleil production

RIO RANCHO — Cirque du Soleil returned to Rio Rancho last weekend with a unique production that brings circus arts to the ice. Cirque du Soleil presented “CRYSTAL” at the Rio Rancho Events Center March 7-10, “a one-of-a-kind production that brings the circus arts to the ice for the very first time.”

In order to support the Rio Rancho community, Cirque du Soleil invited the theater departments from Rio Rancho High School and Cleveland High School to attend the rehearsals at Rio Rancho Events Center March 8 to speak with the artists and receive a special preview of the show. More than 50 students learned what goes into creating a major theatrical performance and talked to the artists and artist directors about their careers and learned what goes on behind the scenes.

“I really loved the Cirque du Soleil CRYSTALrehearsal. I would absolutely love to go see the full thing one day,” Cleveland High’s Brandon War said. “It was really cool, and I loved the set up. I like the story behind CRYSTAL. I find it quite interesting.”

Seven traditional circus acts were adapted for Cirque du Soleil’s first foray onto the ice for CRYSTAL, which blends the art of skating with adrenaline-inducing acrobatics and aerial feats.

“CRYSTAL really pushes the boundaries of possibility within the circus arts. The show highlights Cirque du Soleil’s creativity in a new way and encourages audiences to find the magic of the everyday,” said Crystal Manich, artistic director of CRYSTAL. “Every time you watch, there’s something new to see and experience. We’re thrilled to bring the show back to Rio Rancho.”

The international entertainment organization educated local high school students about what goes into Cirque du Soleil’s first-ever acrobatic performance on ice.

“This is awesome. This is the third time that I’ve been able to bring students to see this and talk to people who work on Cirque shows and watch some of their rehearsals,” Rio Rancho High School Drama Director Gael Natal said. “Every year, it’s really an amazing experience for the students to see professional performers on their stage. It’s been wonderful.”

Using larger-than-life visual projections on ice and a soundtrack that blends popular music with the signature sound of Cirque du Soleil, CRYSTAL takes the audience on an unforgettable visual and auditory experience full of magic and wonder.

“The students have enjoyed it. They’ve been asking a lot of questions; they’ve been looking forward to it,” Cleveland High Technical Theater teacher Keith Abrahamson said. “I’ve been able to bring kids to this for over 10 years now, and it’s always good feedback. It’s a great opportunity.”

Roberto Larroude, CRYSTAL senior publicist, said Cirque presents this opportunity to students in every community they have a show in.

“It’s a good thing to bring students into our little world and show them how much they train and how much work goes into putting in a show like this,” Larroude said. “We never know where the next artists might come from, so it’s good to get them interested. They always love it.”