By SHANNON HAUGLAND
Sentinel Staff Writer
After nearly two years without a public performance, Sitka Cirque will be busier than ever for the next two weekends.
Describing them as “mini shows for friends and family,” executive director Franni Donohoe says the studio will put on 10 short programs featuring different groups of performers.
The one-hour shows are at noon, 3 and 6 p.m. April 24 and May 1; and 3 and 6 p.m. April 25 and May 2. Donohoe said those interested in the limited tickets can ask performers, and some will be available for the general public at the door.
The show’s one of two performing arts events this weekend. Fireweed Dance Theatre will stage its annual Gala Performance 7 p.m. Saturday at the Performing Arts Center (see related story).
Two years ago, Sitka Cirque made the tough call to cancel its performance of Alice in Wonderland. The state shut down theaters, gyms and similar venues a few days later.
Sitka Cirque last presented an aerial silks show in the Performing Arts Center in 2019. (Sentinel file photo)
Cirque was able to reopen classes months later after putting together a precautions plan, which has included frequent cleaning and sanitizing, limited capacity, physical distancing and masks required.
The same precautions will be in place for the two weekends of performances, but Donohoe said it won’t take anything away from the artistry and skills demonstrated on silks, lyra and other apparatus.
She said setting the show and having a performance scheduled gave students a goal to work toward. She said it’s more of a recital than a show, with students demonstrating skills they learned in pieces set to music.
Donohoe knows studio members appreciate all that’s been done to create possibilities for activities and art during COVID, including precautions. Cirque applied for grants and other assistance to help cover operations.
“Just seeing how much fun everyone is having – it’s been a really hard year, a really challenging year,” Donohoe said. “But it’s also been a rewarding year, people saying that being able to attend Cirque classes is the highlight of their week, that it’s gotten them through the year. Being able to have their kids involved in something this year – I think we’ve done a pretty good job.”
A newcomer to town, Elizabeth Bagley, said she missed the social aspect of working out, including such activities as “boot camp” when she lived in El Cerrito, California. Having seen Cirque du Soleil perform, she said, “I was really intrigued by the uniqueness and strength (of performers) as well as the beauty of it.”
Both she and her son, 8-year-old Elliott, signed up for classes here, learning such moves as the “elevator drop” and the “flying belay drop,” one of Elliott’s favorites. Elliott will be performing on trapeze, which is closer to the ground, and on fabric, climbing 10 feet up in the air.
Elliott said he enjoys other activities, including soccer, hiking and playing with his mini Aussie Mina.
Elizabeth is married to Sitka High graduate Justin Bagley, and is diving into other activities as well, including serving as chair of the Climate Action Task Force.
Rita Christianson, 14, a six- or seven-year veteran of Sitka Cirque, will be performing three pieces. She and friends and fellow performers Ren Mayo and Isabel Johnson choreographed a lyra (aerial hoop), using songs from “Hadestown.”
“It’s kind of a dark, cynical song,” she said of one. The other is “jazzy and upbeat,” making it fun to perform to.
Rita will be in two other pieces choreographed by coach Katy Pendell, joined by Ren, Isabel and Kobi Weiland, depending on which show you attend. The lyra piece is set to “Truth and Malice” and the fabric piece is set to “Drive it Like You Stole It.”
As to why she enjoys Cirque, Rita said, “I like the musical aspect of it a lot, it’s very rhythmic. As long as you know enough and understand the pathways of movement you can make something really beautiful.”
Sitka Cirque has some 130 to 140 students. The performance is presented by Friends of Sitka Circus Arts.
Tickets for the shows are $5. The shows can also be watched live on the Sitka Cirque Facebook page.
