IN CONVERSATION WITH CORTEO

interview by TIMI LETONJA
words by MARIE-PAULINE CESARI

For nearly 40 years, Cirque du Soleil has enchanted audiences worldwide, and their show ‘Corteo’ is a testament to their artistry—blending acrobatics, theatricality, and Italian inspired whimsy. We spoke with Alexandra, Senior Publicist of the tour, and Daan Kenis, a Belgian gymnast-turned-acrobat who now performs the thrilling Tournik act, to uncover the magic behind this unique production. Together, they share insights into the world of ‘Corteo' and what makes it a journey woven from the fabric of dreams.

How would you describe the aesthetic and atmosphere of ‘Corteo’, and what makes it unique among other Cirque du Soleil shows?

Daan: The atmosphere of ‘Corteo’ is rooted in a fictional world—it’s not real life, but it’s deeply human. You can see this reflected in the costumes and music, which have a timeless and theatrical feel. What makes it unique is that all the acrobats and actors play human beings—we’re ourselves in this fictional world. This allows us to bring our own emotions and personal stories into the performance.

Additionally, the show is staged in a two-sided setup, which makes it more intimate. The audience is closer to the action, and we perform to both sides, creating more connection and interaction with the viewers.

What was the most challenging and rewarding part of transitioning from gymnastics to Cirque du Soleil, especially with high-energy acts like the ‘Tourniquet?

Daan: One of the biggest challenges was that, while it looks similar to gymnastics—especially with elements like the high bar—the technique is very different. I had to adapt my gymnastics skills to acrobatics and ‘Tourniquet’ specifically.

Another challenge was the shift from gymnastics, which is an individual sport, to performing in a dynamic group act. Here, we rely on teamwork and communication to ensure everything is smooth and safe. Mastering that balance was both challenging and incredibly rewarding.

How many years have you been with Cirque du Soleil?

Daan: In total, a little over two years. I’ve been with ‘Corteo’ for just over a year now.

‘Corteo’ blends fantasy with deep human themes. Alexandra, how does this storytelling resonate with audiences, and what emotions does it aim to evoke?

Alexandra: If you’ve seen ‘Luzia’—another show by Daniele Finzi Pasca, the director of ‘Corteo’— you’ll notice his style combines high-level acrobatics with profound emotions. ‘Corteo’, which has been running for 19 years, is a celebration of life itself. The storytelling is layered, so the audience can interpret it in their own way—some see it as a reflection on life, others as a joyous procession.

It’s like a great work of art, evoking memorable sensations and leaving lasting impressions. What makes ‘Corteo’ special is its mix of comedy, live music, breathtaking acrobatics, and genuine human emotion. It’s immersive; you can feel the audience's reactions—whether it’s laughter, awe, or even a little fear during suspenseful moments.

Cirque du Soleil is also renowned for its costumes. ‘Corteo’ has a unique vintage aesthetic. How do the colors and textures contribute to the mood of the show?

And what challenges are involved in creating costumes for acrobatic performances? Alexandra: Great question! The vintage costumes play a big role in creating the timeless, dreamlike atmosphere of ‘Corteo’.

They balance beauty with practicality, as safety and flexibility are essential for acrobatic performances. Our wardrobe team of five professionals travels with us to ensure the costumes are always in top condition.  At Cirque du Soleil’s headquarters in Montreal, experts work on integrating new technologies into costume design. For example, over the years, advancements in fabric have reduced the time needed to maintain costumes—what used to take eight hours of steaming and ironing now takes much less!

We also collaborate with other industries, like Hollywood and major studios, to share knowledge about cutting-edge materials. Fun fact: ‘Corteo’ travels with about 2,500 costume pieces, taking up one and a half trucks!

That’s a lot of costumes, but traveling in style, so that’s good! Moving on to my next question—the rotating stage in ‘Corteo’ allows the audience to see each other as well as the performance. Daan, how does this setup impact your experience and connection with the audience?

Daan: The rotating stage really enhances the connection. Like I mentioned before, the two-sided stage gives us more opportunities to engage with the audience. It creates more surface area and brings the audience closer to us compared to other shows.  This intimacy makes it feel like we’re pulling them into our world.

Alexandra: Absolutely! There’s so much love and energy owing all around the stage. The live musicians are positioned in every corner, so the action is everywhere. Some people love the show so much they come back the next day to sit on the other side—it’s the same show, but the perspective feels entirely new.  There’s truly no bad seat. If you’re on the floor, you’re deeply connected to the acrobats and comedians, almost like you’re part of the show. But if you’re seated higher up, you get an incredible view of the aerial acts.

That’s so true—you can experience the performance from so many dierent vantage points. But I must say, I really love Cirque du Soleil in a tent setting. This show is in an arena, right?

Alexandra: Yes, but we actually have three types of shows: big top, arena, and resident shows. ‘Corteo’ started as a big top show, so it still has that intimate feel. But performing in arenas allows us to travel more extensively, especially across Europe. For example, the arena setup lets us incorporate a spectacular suspended pole act, thanks to the advanced rigging and automation. It’s something that wasn’t possible in the big top format.

Speaking of the show’s themes, ‘Corteo’ juxtaposes humor with themes of life and death. How do you think this blend resonates with audiences, especially in today’s world?

Daan: Everyone who watches or participates in the show takes away something different. To me, ‘Corteo’ begins with the funeral procession of Mauro, our dreamer clown, and then it transitions into a celebration of his life. Through his memories and experiences, we honor everything he’s seen and done. Even though it starts with the idea of death, I find it to be a very happy show. For example, there’s the chandelier act where Mauro’s lovers return to greet him, and the trampoline bed act that captures the joy of reliving childhood memories. It’s all about celebrating life.

Alexandra: That’s so true, Daan. And it’s funny because even among the cast, there are different interpretations of the show. Some see it as a dream, others as a literal funeral, and others as an artistic creation. Daniele Finzi Pasca, the director, loves this ambiguity—that’s part of what makes ‘Corteo’ so universal and beloved.  After everything the world has been through recently, especially the pandemic, audiences connect even more deeply with the show’s message. It’s not just a series of circus acts; it’s a storyline where everyone can find their own meaning.

It’s amazing how different people can interpret the show based on their own lives and experiences.

Alexandra: Exactly! One of my favorite memories was after a performance when I met a family celebrating their child’s fifth birthday. The mother mentioned how her son was scared during the ladder act, but he reassured her, saying, “Don’t worry, Mommy, there was an angel, so nothing bad could happen. Just like you’re my angel!” Moments like that are so touching and show how deeply ‘Corteo’ resonates, even with kids.

Daan, joining Cirque du Soleil’s pre-potential program must have been a huge step. How did it prepare you physically and mentally for performing with Cirque?

Daan: It prepared me physically by teaching new techniques, acts, and even dance classes. Coming from gymnastics, which is very structured and focused, circus performance opened my mind to reacting to live elements like music and lighting. But the real learning came once I joined the show and worked with the full ensemble.

If you could sum up the spirit of ‘Corteo' in one sentence, what would it be?

Daan: ‘Corteo’ is about celebrating life and making memories.

Alexandra: Yes! It’s a family show that celebrates the life of Mauro, our dreamer clown. It’s about cherishing every moment with loved ones, blending high-level acrobatics with beautiful music. That’s why, even after 19 years and over 10 million viewers, the show still resonates so deeply. ‘Corteo’ has an Italian-inspired style and human characters.

How does this cultural influence add depth to the story?

Daan: The Italian passion of Daniele, our creator, is very present. Even after all these years, he’s deeply involved, constantly refining the show and sharing his vision.

Alexandra: The Italian spirit is in every detail, even though we’re a cast of 120 people from 28 nationalities. We adapt to local languages, but the European artistic roots are always there, making ‘Corteo’ universal.

If ‘Corteo’ were featured in a *Numéro Netherlands* fashion editorial, what costumes or elements would you highlight?

Daan: I’d choose the Tetherboard costumes—they have a striking contrast between rich and poor elements. 

Alexandra: For me, it’s the White Clown costume, which takes 70 hours to make and tells the character’s story. I also love the final Angel dresses, which are incredibly intricate and never touch the floor.

Following the success of these shows, Cirque du Soleil recently announced new touring data for their ‘Kurios - Cabinet of Curiosities’ performance in 2025. The critically acclaimed show returns for a city run  where audiences are invited to escape reality and step into a world of extraordinary imagination under the iconic Big Top at venue for a limited series of performances.

The spectacle is about a seeker and his cabinet of curiosities full of secrets, abstractions, and aspirations. In an alternate past, Kurios steps inside the mechanical lab of an inventor convinced that there exists a hidden world—a place where the craziest ideas and the grandest dreams await. Once the inventor succeeds to unlock the door to this world of wonders, time comes to a complete stop and an uplifted cast of otherworldly characters invades his cabinet, bringing his makeshift creations to life one by one.

It’s set to be show that turns your world upside down and will do so with a touch of humour and poetry. For more information, check the official website here.