‘Dralion’ puts a unique spin on the elements

Cirque du Soleil has found a way to make a person fly without wings on multiple occasions and from Feb. 15-19, they will be performing "Dralion" at the Don Haskin Center.

  The group is known world-wide for its theatrical performances that have showcased in front of audiences all over the globe in cities such as Paris and Sydney.

Cirque Du Soleil presented "Alegria" during the 2011 season. This year's show is titled "Dralion," a

merger of the two main symbols in the show: the dragon representing the east, and the lion of the west.

"Everywhere we've been so far the crowds are welcoming ‘Dralion,' the critics and reviews are very positive, and they enjoy the show," said Julie Desmarais, Cirque du Soleil publicist. "It's a show that appeals to everybody with a lot of energy and the acrobatics are amazing."

Featured in the concept of the act are the four elements: Air, Earth, Water and Fire. They are told through the point of view of Eastern philosophy, and the enduring challenge of achieving balance between humans and nature.

"It's all about human beings performing unreal things," Desmarais said. "So it's a unique experience and so far everything has been going well so we just hope that in El Paso it's the same thing."

The story of the show is captivated in a very creative and vibrant process that uses a 3,000 year old tradition of Chinese acrobatic arts. It also features 50 international acrobats, gymnasts, musicians and singers.

"We travel with 18 semi-trucks and the show itself weighs about 400,000 pounds," Desmarais said. "We have an impressive stage and show, which will feature its own choreography, 10 different outstanding acrobatic numbers and a live band that will perform the music for the performers."

The acrobats will perform in a variety of stunts including aerial ballet, languorous aerial dance, hand balancing, hoop diving and many more.

Jorge Vazquez, executive director of special events, is excited about giving UTEP students a chance to see a show that normally is rooted on Broadway or in Las Vegas.

"(Cirque du Soleil) truly wants to give students the opportunity to see their show. It goes beyond the business aspect," Vazquez said. "They truly want to expose our students to the art of what they do and they really want to involve students and make them part of Cirque du Soleil."

UTEP students will be able to buy admission into the show for a price of $25 as compared to the normal public rate, which ranges from $35-$145 before taxes.

"I think $25 is an amazing price," said Perla Hernandez, junior history major. "I've personally never experienced a show like the one they offer so I'm super excited about being able to go. I would not miss it for a thing in the world because I know this opportunity doesn't come around often."

UTEP special events have created a solid relationship with Cirque du Soleil and aside from special events, the city of El Paso has provided a strong market to support a show of this caliber.

"This has got to be one of the most professional crews that we've ever worked with, extremely organized, extremely detail oriented, they work way ahead of schedule," Vazquez said. "It's very precise and, precision is their middle name."

Kristopher Rivera may be reached at prospector@utep.edu.