Shana Carroll - Stunning Solo Trapeze

One of the most skilled aerial performers in the world, Shana Carroll is so much more than just another circus act. This lady takes ballet into the air and performs with such heart that it is impossible to take one's eyes off her. While touring Europe with Cirque du Soleil in the show Saltimbanco she performed her routine at The Royal Albert Hall and brought the audience to their feet. The amazing thing was how she performed not to the audience but in her own private universe, and brought a sheer joy to an impeccably executed routine. It was that, more than a mind numbing display of aerial ability, that the crowd reacted to night after night.
This piece is from a show she performs in Montreal with her group Les 7 Doigts de la Main. She's an exceptional performer.

Category:

Entertainment

Tags:

• Shana
• Carroll
• Stunning
• Solo
• Trapeze

[mira1873]

it was a stunning performance, but it just didn't blow me away.

[ChocolateFrogPrince]

@mira1873 I'd agree but only insofar as it lacks the spectacularity and flash of a swing trapeze. Shana gave performances like that notably during her tenure with Soleil. This is far more a performance of subtlety and emotion. I could have done without the middle hip-hop section, which was inserted as a sop to the group's DJ/soundman. It is disjointed and incongruous with the rest of the piece.

I find the rest of this piece quite beautiful to watch however.

[sebsoldevila]

I don't usually respond on these things, but if anyone's curious... I created this piece after performing trapeze for 15 years, always the graceful, moody feminine stuff, and the theme of it this time was to establish that image and then deconstruct it. A bit of an experiment, but a fun one. Also the number was created for a show with a DJ and we were trying to incorporate his skills as much as possible into each act. Just providing a bit of context. - shana

[ChocolateFrogPrince]

Thanks for replying!

I have always wondered what the thinking was behind it. Though never quite convinced of its success, I recognised the cut as quite a daring move, and in performance it is impossible to progress without taking such chances.

I've been working in performance for my entire adult life - a bloody sight longer than I'd care to admit these days! - and I still regard this as one of the most beautiful aerial acts I have seen.

I'm a theatre bastard and it takes alot to impress me.

[sbhtuu]

I'm sory,but somehow...it didnt move my heart into her character. Eventhow there are some stunnig moves.i'm sory..

[MollyPowPowPow]

@sebsoldevila shana you are amazing! I'm at circus school and when I get stressed I watch this piece and meghans hoop. Loft inspired me so much and I'm currently writing an essay about la vie. you rock :)

[mira1873]

@ChocolateFrogPrince I have to say it was the hip hop thing that didn't amaze me.Personally I prefer the less swingy aerial acts. Not just trapeze but hoop and ribbon as well. She's definitely talented though.

[theherk]

I stumbled into trapeze videos; something I've seen very little of in my life. I'm shocked to see negative comments here. I could understand, wow that DJ was annoying, but regarding the dancing/athletics/dancer... really? That was amazing. I expected it to be awesome. What I didn't expect was for it to be so alluring.

[TheLolalolalola]

@sbhtuu i agree..

to my taste. i don't like it at all. BUT. i do recognize all of the enourmos amount of strength and precision it takes for those moves and as fast as she made them.I do admire her for taking a chance. maybe if the music and the dj... was a little bit more crossfade. more incorporated, I understand in the beginning to make a rough cut, although in the second cut if it was a smoother transtion I think it'd be better.

[cECIBON]

amazing.

[faeryjane]

I don't usually like static trapeze acts... but this was special. You are truly Amazing!

[mogroovee]

@ciircacienne Yann Tiersen, Piece de Vide or La Piece Vide but can't find it on itunes