Backstage with Cirque Du Soleil: Native American hoop dancer Shandien Larance talks us through a day in the life of a Totem Performer

Now enjoying performances under The Big Top in Sydney, Totem is the latest production from Montreal’s Cirque Du Soleil to hit Australian shores following the success of past productions like Ovo and Michael Jackson The Immortal. It also co-indices with the 30th anniversary of the iconic company, who have performed in front of close to 150 Million people in 300 cities over five continents.

We went backstage last week during rehearsals for Totem and throughout the week you’ll be seeing exclusive photos and videos from our time with the cast and creatives in the spectacular show. First up, we meet Native American hoop dancer Shandien Larance who talks us through a day in the life of a Totem Performer, lets us in on her own background and we find out what advice she has for those looking to one day become Cirque performers of their own. Plus see footage of Shandien training for opening night!

Totem will be performing in Sydney until January 4th, with up to 10 shows a week. For tickets and more details head to: http://www.ticketek.com.au/totem/

Larry Heath

Founding Editor and Publisher of the AU review. Currently based in Toronto, Canada. You can follow him on Twitter @larry_heath or on Instagram @larryheath.