The aim of the circus is to leave its viewers awestruck and stunned to the point that they’ll be thinking of everything they saw for weeks to come. There has to be a lot of “ooh”s and “aah”s during the stunning spectacles on display.
Both adults and kids are to be left in wonder at the performances they just saw. That’s mission accomplished for the Ringmaster.
The same holds true for the performers. All those hours put into practice should draw the same reactions from the audience.
So for partners Lea Toran Jenner (German/Spanish) and Francis Perreault (Canadian), they would not settle for anything less. They call themselves Duo Unity. Lea and Francis met way back in 2011 at Montreal’s École Nationale de Cirque when probably after a chat they both decided to partner up and take on new challenges together.
It took lots of time, several years as a matter of fact, before Jenner and Perreault got into the groove of their own style. They were able to join their talents all in to a single act. “The Cyr Wheel duo”.
You have to see it to believe it.
On their website it says that they found their style through,
“… combining their strengths with poetic sensibility while creating a romantic atmosphere by mixing grace with danger.”
The Cyr Wheel is a big aluminum ring wherein performers can do acrobatic stunts using it as a prop.
What happens is, one holds on to the wheel while inside, then with great control, performs stunts with it. There’s no doubt about it. It takes hue amounts of mental focus and physical conditioning to be able to do such an act.
Now with Duo Unity, they do it all together. On one wheel. No, really.
At the “ARoma” Dinner Show in Belgium, Lea and Francis put on a spectacular show captivating the minds of their audience. It was captured on film by Double Take Cinematic Circus with over 4.1 million views.
The stage is circular in its set up with Francis in the center spinning the Cyr Wheel under a spotlight.
Lea slowly walks in and when she steps in to the light, the undeniable chemistry takes hold of the audience.
Lea goes first, looping the stage with the wheel. Then without a pause, without missing a beat, Francis hops in the wheel blending in with his lovely partner.The wheel rolls and spins with both man and woman controlling the act effortlessly.
This viewer left a comment which says it all,
“Unless you have had a crack at CYR yourself (trust me it’s really tough!) you can’t even begin to imagine the skill and many hundreds/thousands of hours of practice that has gone into this extraordinary performance. How they don’t collide with the wheel, bump into each other and maintain their poise throughout is incredible.”
Their stunning acts have gotten them awards and accomplishments through the years. There’s a bronze medal in 2015 from Paris’ Circus Festival de Demain. Then there’s an “Audience Award” and a gold medal (or two) at the 2019 International Festival of Albacete.
They switch positions and angles, all while the Cyr Wheel is turning which really is a mesmerizing sight to behold. It’s a wonder they don’t get dizzy. These two with their unique circus act has been stopping and taking breaths around the world. They’ll take yours too.
The circus holds a spectacular array of shows but perhaps none as wonderful as these two. Check out their act in the video below.
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