However, Montassier hasn’t joined just any old circus – he is part of Cirque Éloize, a thrilling spectacle of circus arts and urban dance that will make its South African debut in August.
“I joined Cirque Éloize after a casting in Paris in 2010,” he said.
“I knew [about it before then] because one of my friends had been performing with them for two years.”
Montassier said the shift from dance to combining dance with contemporary circus arts wasn’t too difficult to make.
“It’s not all that different, compared to my previous experience, as I’ve always worked with contemporary dancers, musicians and comedians,” he said.
“With Cirque Éloize, it was my first experience working with acrobats, but everything went very smoothly. Ultimately, we all do the same job when we are on stage.”
For Montassier, breakdancing is a blend of dancing, gymnastics, capoeira and martial arts.
“[This] means we don’t have any limits. Since the ’80s, breakdancing has evolved… and continues to evolve… Every new generation comes with its own style and pushes the level higher and higher,” he said.
“Breakdance is more than just dance; it’s also a sport and an art.”
The dancer said his best memory of his time with Cirque Éloize was his first training sessions in Montreal.
“It was fun and interesting to see acrobats trying to dance, and it was fun for me to try flip on the trampoline or to jump with a skipping rope,” he said.
“To be a part of this initial encounter between the circus world and urban dance [was very special] for me.”
This will be Montassier’s first visit to South Africa, and he can’t wait to land in Joburg.
“I’m sure I will really enjoy [South Africa]. I look forward to seeing Johannesburg and to see how people will react to our show. I would like to [go on] safari and… to share dance and experiences with South African dancers,” he said.
Cirque Éloize’s iD will run from 19 August for a limited season at the Teatro at Montecasino, Montecasino Boulevard, Fourways.
Details: 0861 915 8000; www.computicket.com; www.montecasino.co.za
Watch the Cirque Eloize iD trailer: https://youtu.be/wRanryQSlSs
***WIN: We have five pairs of tickets for the 20 August, 8pm performance of Cirque Éloize’s iD at the Teatro!
To stand a chance to win a set of tickets, ‘like’ our Facebook page (if you haven’t already done so) and post the answer to the following question: Where did Baptiste Montassier’s first Cirque Éloize training session take place?
Competition closes on 31 July.
Terms and conditions:
1. Tickets are only valid for the specified date and performance time, and may not be upgraded, exchanged for cash or for an alternative performance.
2. Two tickets per prizewinner.
3. Tickets will be available for collection from the Computicket box office one hour prior to showtime.
4. No-shows will not receive replacement tickets, and if the show is cancelled for any reason, prize-winners will not receive any form of compensation.
5. By entering this competition, the participant agrees to the terms and conditions.
