Student Stories

The Circus Is Coming

Fire performers, hula hoopers, tango dancers, a belly dancer, aerialists, jugglers, stilt-walkers, tumblers, and a slew of acrobats—not what you normally expect to see while sitting in that solemn tribute to scholarship and spiritualism, Rockefeller Chapel.  But on March 3 at 5 p.m. and March 4 at 7 p.m. circus RSO Le Vorris & Vox will fill the cathedral with an assortment of acrobatic feats during their show, “Illustre.”

“The show is going to be bright, loud, and exciting,” said Lucy Little, a third-year music major and head of Le Vorris & Vox.  “I mean, it's a circus show in Rockefeller Chapel. There are going to be some incredible skills displayed, and it'll be an incredible way to spend an hour during ninth week, a great way to take a break from the inevitable stress that comes with ninth week and the impeding finals week.”

“Since we're a newly revived group on campus, we're still really about spreading the word that there's a place now for those who want to learn crazy, wonderful things that carry the label ‘circus arts,’” said Little.  “Circus really is about accepting difference in all its forms, welcoming the beautiful and random skills that people either have or want to learn, and the ideas that build from these. In addition, to be involved in circus means to trust others and to work in a group.”

Le Vorris & Vox has worked hard to form a community.  The RSO refuses to limit itself by only accepting members who have been previously trained.  “Most of the students in the troupe never thought they'd be involved in circus. They never thought that they're stand in a two-high, be a part of a pyramid, spin fire, or laugh while upside down,” said Little.  Consequently, performers in the upcoming show will range from experienced aerialists to stilt-walkers who learned their art entirely through Le Vorris & Vox.  Even when preparing for a show, Le Vorris & Vox keeps its practices open so anyone who wants to can learn and join in the fun.

“As Le Vorris & Vox continues to grow, we're really hoping to communicate to the student body that circus is an exhilarating art form that is good for your body and your brain, and that even if you don't want to participate in the show, you are always, always welcome to come and learn and share.”

For their performance this quarter, Le Vorris & Vox plans to use as much space as possible.  The show will start outside of Rockefeller before travelling into the cathedral and down the main aisle.  There will even be a free-standing aerial rig, and the group already has plans to use the balconies for future performances.

But there are reasons to see “Illustre” that go beyond technical tricks and elaborate stunts.  As Little put it, “Our shows are always full of love and commitment and a brilliant energy. If the audience can enjoy this and walk away feeling like they just saw something awesome and witnessed their fellow students showcasing risky and exciting skills, then we've put on a great show.”