La Ronde lived up to the hype and expectation and then exceeded it.
Upbeat 70s disco music, a massive disco ball and red rotating lights, greeted the audience upon entry and dialed up the atmosphere to electric. The lighting flashed and moved around the circular stage, shooting beams across the audience and the combined effect screamed ‘entertainment, seduction and adventure’. With the mood buzzing we waited in anticipation whilst a few performers casually wandered about, creating more anticipation and hints of what was to come.
We were suddenly jolted alive by the tune ‘Stayin’ Alive’ and we did just that – felt alive and engaged throughout the whole performance.
High energy from the first moment, we were treated to the internationally renowned, magnetic vocalist, Gigi McFarlane. In a bright red sparkly dress, she lit up the Spiegeltent with her powerful voice that was perfectly suited to the disco theme. She was joined by dancers, swiftly and provocatively increasing the intensity and energy of the act.
Before we had time to catch our collective breath, we were looking skyward as aerial rope aficionado, Jenny Zavadskaia showed us her prowess, while spinning and twisting in the most seductive way. Dressed in a sexy themed outfit to perform to the song, “It’s a man’s world’, she demonstrated that she had very much made it a women’s world and she was owning it big time.
The tempo changed as the “Ace of Spades” rock tune belted out and David Eriksson joined the stage. An Olivier Award-winning circus legend, David has toured the world for 30 years and his experienced showed. His comic timing was well appreciated by the audience as were his many tricks. He interacted with the audience in a respectful and funny way and delighted with both his comedy and skill.
Next up; if you think you’ve witnessed core strength before, think again! Enter Danik Abishev, an incredible hand balancer. I’ve never seen such strength and balance. All the while he was concentrating and performing, he managed to also be cute, cheeky and sexy – quite the feat! Danik has been a finalist on Australia’s Got Talent and comes from a lineage of Russion circus performers. I’d love to be a fly on the wall at their family gatherings! With phenomenal talent, he kept us engaged through pure strength, artistry and charisma.
“I was made for loving you” filled the air and Diana Bondarenko filled the room with a spellbinding pyramid trapeze extravaganza of raw energy. Her mastery was exceptional. The dramatic strobe and pulsing lighting effects created an enchanted space where the strength and speed of her twirling blended fantasy and reality.
More love was in the air to the tune of the enigmatic LJ Marles and “I feel love” as he showcased his extreme strength and balance. The way he twisted and wove himself between and around the tension straps was truly innovative with his body blending and becoming part of the apparatus. An awe-inspiring performance of the highest level.
More feats of strength, balance and stamina awaited us with the aerial pole sensation of Sergiy Mishchurenko. I was tricked into forgetting at times that he was only holding on with one hand as he seemingly magically moved up, down and around the aerial pole. A highly accomplished dancer trained across contemporary and hip hop, his athletisism, coordination and inventive moves were mesmerising.
The seven world-class performers shone individually in their respective areas of expertise, as well as joining together in some acts, including a fabulous finale, and supporting each other throughout, creating a varied, fluid and highly entertaining show. I can hardly even imagine the amount of practice and refinement that goes into such polished acts. Slick, intimate and professional, La Ronde is a masterclass in strength, raw energy, balance and artistry.
La Ronde is playing at the Spiegeltent in the Garden of Unearthly Delights until March 22.
Tickets here.
