Ever wondered what it would be like to dance in a Cirque du Soleil show? We caught up with Tina Cannon who is a dancer with the company’s Michael Jackson THE IMMORTAL World Tour, to find out.
New York-based dancer Tina Cannon knew she wanted to dance with Cirque du Soleil right at the start of her career. “When I was about 18 years old, I moved to New York City from Rochester, New York to audition for dance companies,” she remembers. “One day, I happened to see a notice to audition for Cirque du Soleil. At the time I wasn’t very familiar with Cirque, but decided to go because they were looking for dancers of all styles. It turned out to be such an amazing audition - so different than anything I had ever done! We learned choreography, but then also we had to improvise in movement, in speech, and as different characters. It was so creative and unique. I knew then that someday I would have to work for this company!”
Since then Cannon has accrued an eclectic list of performance credits, including Celine Dion’s A New Day and the national tour of Fosse, as well as dancing with Hubbard Street Dance Company, River North Dance Company and the Radio City Rockettes. Although her background is relatively diverse, Cannon’s back catalogue is mostly “straight dance”. Working on Michael Jackson THE IMMORTAL World Tour is pretty different to most of her other work, she says. “Being in an arena with 8,000-12,000 people in the audience each night is much different than a straight dance show, which is typically in much smaller theatre with a much smaller audience. Also there are so many more elements to make up a Cirque show. We have acrobats, aerialists, characters, musicians, and singers as well as dancers.”
Cannon has also worked for Cirque du Soleil on The Beatles LOVE and the 3D feature film Worlds Away. In her experience, the length of the rehearsal process for a dancer can be very short or much longer. “The length of the rehearsal period can vary depending on if you join a show at the creation or if you join afterwards,” she explains. “During a creation, rehearsals can last up to nine months. If you join after the work is created, it could be as little as a week or perhaps up to a month or two depending on the degree of difficulty, how much you need to learn, how much rehearsal and stage time is available, if costumes are ready, etc."
If you are employed as a dancer during creation period then you may be involved in contributing to that process. “At creation, depending on the show and your role, [contributions from dancers are] welcomed and you have the most opportunity to be creative, and share ideas,” says Cannon. “Once a show is set, though, certain aspects must be maintained and you are less likely to be as creative. But often things do evolve to maximize the skill set of the next artist coming in to take over a role or character.”
And what happens on an average day on tour?
“During the day is our off time, “ replies Cannon. “Many people take advantage to see the sights of the city we are in. Some people sleep in late, while others perhaps work out at the hotel or catch up on emails. Then usually late afternoon begins our work day. We usually shuttle to the arena. There we have our trainings or rehearsals on stage, go to any physio appointments or any meetings before the show. After, we would go to catering and have dinner. From that point, we put on our makeup and warm up to prepare for the show. Then we put on our costumes and it's show time!”
One thing is certain, the 18 year old Cannon’s instinct that she should work for Cirque du Soleil was spot on. “Cirque is a great company with a lot of opportunity for an artist,” she enthuses. “Because there are so many different types of artists in one show, you have the opportunity to share and learn new and different skills. For example, I am a dancer but I can work with the acro coach and learn how to do some acrobatics or aerial work. It is a place where you can keep growing and reaching your potential.”
Michael Jackson THE IMMORTAL World Tour has its own specific rewards as well. “I love having the opportunity to work with so many talented artists from all over the world,” reflects Cannon. “Some of them were original musicians with Michael Jackson. It is great to hear their stories and experiences with him. I also really enjoy traveling the world with Michael Jackson THE IMMORTAL World Tour. I enjoy learning about different cultures and being able to perform for people in so many different countries.”
And what can audiences expect from the show?
“It’s a hybrid of a rock pop concert and Cirque du Soleil all in one,” says Cannon. “You will get all the great music and dancing you would expect to see at a Michael Jackson concert and the amazing acrobatics and aerial feats you would see at Cirque. People love it and you will be up on your feet, dancing and singing!”
Michael Jackson THE IMMORTAL World Tour by Cirque du Soleil will be in Perth, Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne and Adelaide during September and October 2013.
Bookings: ticketek.com.au
More info: www.cirquedusoleil.com
Michael Jackson THE IMMORTAL World Tour. Photos: OSA Images. Costumes: Zaldy Goco.