Strut & Fret's 'Blanc De Blanc Encore' is now playing at Spiegel Haus Melbourne – and has been extended until April.
’Blanc De Blanc Encore' is the culmination of years of work, and a perfect example of how a local company was able to take the world by storm. This is the first time that the Brunswick-based Strut & Fret has presented an event in its home city of Melbourne, for more than eight years.
Read our review of the Melbourne season.
The dazzling, adult circus show features a star-studded international cast including Canadian circus artist Felix Pouliot, Australian dancer Melanie Hawkins, Ukrainian performer and choreographer Mykhailo Makarovoak, and UK aerialist Danielle Summers.
Danielle, who we caught up with below, is celebrated for her unique blend of elegance, power and passion. She's toured the globe, performed with the likes of Mimbre, Fidget Feet and Lavrak Circus, and has lit up iconic London cabaret venues with her sensual solo acts.
We chat all things 'Blanc De Blanc', her origins in her craft, and how she's enjoying her first time in Melbourne.
First of all, how did you come to be involved with ‘Blanc De Blanc’?
I followed ‘Blanc De Blanc’ on Instagram and thought, that’s 100 per cent me! The glitz and the glam and wild, sexy fun of the show made me want to be a part of it. They have an international cast with the best performers from all over the world, so I applied and was ecstatic to find out I got the role!
And tell us a little bit about your role in the show.
My role is The Dancer in the Moonlight, not only am I spinning and doing acrobatics flying high on my aerial hoop, I am expressing myself through powerful movement and flow. It’s a magical and captivating moment of the show. We are an extension of ourselves on stage so what you see is the real me! 'Blanc De Blanc' is so fun because I love being able to explore different sides of my personality from feeling empowered, sensual and in my feminine energy to being silly, playful and funny.
How do you hope to make audiences feel during your time on stage in the show?
I hope to make the audience feel welcome, included and full of joy. The show is immersive and interactive in an intimate space (Spiegel Haus). We are out in the audience connecting and vibing with everyone throughout the show. We are bouncing off each other’s energy! From subtle moments of sharing eye contact with someone or a cheers with a glass of champagne to the tent being full of shared laughter and surprise – it’s pure magic!
When did you realise the circus was something you were interested in pursuing?
My influences were competitive gymnastics and ballet along with growing up surrounded by art, theatre and creatives. Aerial hoop ate gymnastics, I became part of the circus community and have since pursued a varied and vibrant career in circus arts. I enjoy collaborating, teaching, performing and strive to continue enriching my own creative practice and inspiring people on my journey!
And what kind of training and discipline does something like the aerial hoop involve?
I do not skip strength training! Finding the balance of training strength and flexibility. I have a structured exercise programme by my physio that is most effective for my personal needs and circus lifestyle. I hit the gym which helps with the best part – aerial hoop play! I also love pilates, yoga and swimming and find the variation of activities is great for my body and fun! And fuelling for all this moving and grooving with proper nutrition!
What’s your favourite act – outside of yours of course – in ‘Blanc De Blanc Encore’, and why?
I admire all of the performers and their discipline to master their crafts. Especially Misha the bone breaker who twists his head all a way around and does incredible contortion. The opening act! I get really excited to meet the audience! The opening is special because it’s the first time we all welcome everyone into our world, which sets up the exciting energy for the rest of the show. I also love the towel dance – I am literally crying of laughter every time because there is always something funny and unexpected that happens!
The show marks your first time in Melbourne. How are you liking it here?!
I love Melbourne! Such a beautiful, vibey city full of incredible art, nature, super friendly people and community spirit. There is always something cool happening. I’m so grateful to be soaking up the Melbourne life – what a treat, what a dream!
What would you say has been the highlight thus far about playing the show?
Being besties with the cast. I hope this shines through on stage. We spend a lot of time together on and off stage and I’m so grateful to them – my heart is full! Also hearing the tent filled with laughter – the Melbourne audiences are beaming with joy and that is what is so magical about 'Blanc De Blanc Encore'.
How would you describe ‘Blanc De Blanc Encore’ to someone who has not yet seen it?
'Blanc De Blanc Encore' is an immersive, glitzy glamorous cocktail party, we invite the audience into our world with live singing, world class circus acts, incredible dancing and hilarious comedy. You know when one champagne turns into another and another and another. . . Let the fun night out begin! Immaculate vibes and full of cheeky unexpected surprises! I’ll give one surprise away. . . I hang upside down above the audience pouring champagne – Salute!
'Blanc De Blanc Encore' is on at Spiegel Haus Melbourne until 19 April.
