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.