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Backstage at Cirque Du Soleil's "Totem" Show

Backstage at Cirque Du Soleil's "Totem" Show

3:49·By Gemma G
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About this video

Cirque du Soleil's "Totem" show is one of their most high-flying yet, and YH is there under the big top (AKA the "artistic tent") to get a feel for the intense prep that goes into putting on a performance like this! Two of the show's acrobatic troupe members, Caoliang Wang and David Resnick give us a quick lesson on the high bar before showing off their own amazing talents, plus they clue us in on all those elaborate (and tight) costumes! Hosted by Lesley Robins (@lesleymia).

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Young Hollywood

What's up, guys? Leslie Robbins here for Young Hollywood. If you're wondering why I am covered in chalk, hair is back, hands are completely sore, I am now on the stage at Cirque du Soleil Totem, and I just got the ultimate behind-the-scenes tour. Check it out. Wow, I have arrived at Circus Soleil, Totem.

Guest

Welcome to the artistic tent. This is our home, our home away from home.

Young Hollywood

We're literally under a big top. It's amazing. Under a tent. Yeah. Just like the traveling circuses. I'm going on those high bars.

Guest

You'll be going on the high bars over there where we warm up as frogs. Chau Young and I, we alternate the Crystal Man position. And when I'm not Crystal Man, I do frog. And um, it's a joy because some of the characters they do the same thing consistently every night. Right. So when we get to change it up, it's kind of a a refreshment and it keeps the show exciting.

Young Hollywood

I'm here to go up on the big bars and be a Cirque performer. Can I do it?

Guest

I think you can walk the walk. Or fall the fall.

Young Hollywood

No falling.

Guest

The first thing we are going to do is try on the bar. Hands on the bar. And then bring legs over under the bar. And then. Okay. Just that simple. Very good.

Young Hollywood

It's too easy, I think this. Now we're getting chalked up. This is good.

Guest

And then pull up. And the legs over the bar. And sit here. And then swing down. Roll down. Oh my God. This one you you need to you mean you some muscles. One, two, three. Yes. Yeah. Okay.

Young Hollywood

Obviously, I am a ridiculous beginner. You're the pro. Let me let me see what you got. All right. Okay. So, I got a tour of the area and the wardrobe department is incredible. Those costumes are pretty amazing. How long does it take to get into them, out of them, and what happens afterwards?

Guest

To get in and out of them, it's pretty quick unless it's humid. Yeah. Um, it's almost like a second layer of skin. Yeah. Um, the costumes are very tight to our bodies. To get out of them, it's fast. Yeah. 'Cause we want to take them off, so. Yeah. Then we get into another costume for another character.

Young Hollywood

Okay. Well, good luck tonight.

Guest

Thank you.

Timestamps are approximate — click one to jump the player.

PEOPLE MENTIONED

  • Lesley Robins

    Young Hollywood host, trying the high bar

  • Caoliang Wang

    Cirque du Soleil acrobat, performs high bar, Crystal Man

  • David Resnick

    Cirque du Soleil acrobat, performs high bar, Crystal Man

FAQ

What Cirque du Soleil show is featured?+
The video goes backstage at Cirque du Soleil's "Totem" show.
Who hosts the Young Hollywood segment?+
The Young Hollywood segment is hosted by Lesley Robins.
Which Cirque du Soleil performers are interviewed?+
Acrobats Caoliang Wang and David Resnick are interviewed and demonstrate skills.
What is the 'artistic tent' at Cirque du Soleil?+
The 'artistic tent' is referred to as the performers' home away from home, where they prepare for the show.
What is the Crystal Man position?+
The Crystal Man is a character in the show, and performers like Caoliang Wang and David Resnick alternate playing this role.

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