By Jennifer Jahn
NKyTribune staff writer
The lights go up, the music begins and the big top comes alive as Cirque Du Luxe brings its modern take on the circus to the Boone County Fairgrounds Sept. 3-6.
Founded by longtime circus performer Frank Diaz, Cirque Du Luxe combines the excitement and tradition of the circus with a high-energy, contemporary production. Cirque Du Luxe is completely animal-free, putting the focus squarely on the skill, athleticism and artistry of its performers.
“We want to keep the tradition and atmosphere of the circus alive while giving today’s families something new and exciting,” Diaz said.
Audiences visiting the Boone County Fairgrounds can expect a variety of acts, including aerialists, acrobats, jugglers, comedians and dancers. The show also features a special K-pop HUNTR/X-inspired presentation designed with younger audience members in mind.
“There are moments that will make you laugh, moments that will have you on the edge of your seat, and moments designed especially for the kids,” Diaz said. “We really try to have something for every age.”
A World of Talent Under One Tent
Cirque Du Luxe brings together an international cast, with performers representing different countries, cultures and circus traditions. The cast includes aerial artists, acrobats, jugglers, comedians, dancers and specialty performers.
Many of the performers come from circus families and have spent much of their lives developing their skills.
“That’s something I love about Cirque Du Luxe,” Diaz said. “You have people from different countries and cultures coming together under one tent to create one show.”
Diaz knows that lifestyle firsthand.
Originally from Cuba, Diaz began his circus journey by attending circus school and training as a performer. He later traveled throughout South America, performing in several countries before eventually coming to the United States. There, he continued working with different circus productions and gained experience both onstage and behind the scenes.
After years of traveling and performing, Diaz decided it was time to create a show of his own.
“After many years of performing and traveling, I always had the dream of creating something of my own,” he said. “Last year, I finally decided to make that dream a reality and created Cirque Du Luxe.”
His goal was to take the lessons and experiences he had gathered throughout his career and use them to create a production that honors the circus while giving audiences something fresh.
Wherever the Big Top Goes, That’s Home
For audiences, a circus performance may last a few hours. For the people behind the show, however, the work begins long before the first performer takes the stage.
“We arrive in a new city, put up the tent, perform for a few days, take it all down and move to the next town,” he said. “It can be exhausting, but it’s also a unique lifestyle. For us, wherever the big top goes, that’s home.”
Boone County is one of the stops on this year’s tour as Cirque Du Luxe works to bring its production to communities and families around the country.
“Boone County seemed like a great community for our show, and we’re really excited to be there in September,” Diaz said.
A Family Affair
For Diaz, the circus has become a family experience.
He performs alongside his wife and children, making the constant travel a chance for the family to work and experience the adventure together.
“Having my wife and my kids working alongside me makes the experience even more special,” he said. “We spend a lot of time traveling from town to town, so being able to have my family together and working as a team is something I’m very grateful for.”
One of Diaz’s most memorable career moments came when he began performing an act alongside one of his children.
“Sharing the ring together is something very special to me,” he said.
That family connection is also part of what Diaz hopes audiences will experience when they attend Cirque Du Luxe.
More than anything, he wants families to leave with a shared memory.
“We’re all surrounded by phones and screens every day, but there’s something different about watching a live performance with your family,” Diaz said.
The Audience Is Part of the Show
After a lifetime in the circus and thousands of performances, Diaz said there is still one part of the show he never gets tired of watching: the audience.
“Hearing a whole tent gasp at the same time during a dangerous trick or seeing a child completely amazed by something they’re seeing for the first time is very special,” he said. “That energy is different every night.”
The unpredictable nature of live performance is part of that energy. Diaz said that, like any live production, circus acts do not always go exactly according to plan. Performers have to remain calm, adapt, and keep the show moving.
The reward comes when the audience responds.
“Hearing the audience clap, laugh, and cheer gives you so much energy,” Diaz said. “It’s one of the best parts of performing and reminds me why I love what I do.”
For Diaz, that connection with audiences is also what makes bringing Cirque Du Luxe to communities worthwhile.
“Knowing we can create special memories for families makes all the hard work worth it,” he said.
As Cirque Du Luxe prepares to set up its big top in Boone County, Diaz invites families who have never experienced a live circus to see what happens when the screen is replaced by a tent, a live audience, and performers just a few feet away.
“Seeing a circus live under a big top is completely different from watching something on a screen,” Diaz said. “You’re close to the performers, you hear the audience laughing and gasping around you, and you can feel the energy inside the tent.”
From traditional circus skills and acrobatics to comedy, music, dancing and a K-pop HUNTR/X-inspired presentation, Diaz said the show is designed to give every generation something to enjoy.
“Bring the kids, bring the grandparents and come make a memory with us in Boone County.”
For more information, tour dates, and tickets please visit Cirque Du Luxe.