Derived from Chinese acrobatic tradition, the hoop diving act takes on a tribal
flavour from the African-influenced music to which it is performed. Ten male artists
dive and throw themselves like arrows through 18 wooden hoops. The hoops are fastened to a
table; some remain stationary while others rotate.
With Indian chants (sampled from Zakir Hussain and Ustad Allarakha's
"Lineage") included, "Aborigenes Jam" is a great accompaniment to the
Hoop Diving act. Gaya (earth) dances in a frenzy as the heavy
percussion provides the tribal beats to enhance the chanting.
Taken from Chinese circus tradition, the hoop diving act takes
on more of an African tribal flavor as nine male artits
dive and "throw themselves like arrows" through many
configurations of their wooden hoops.
When the final hoop is conquered, a trap door in the stage opens and one of
the clowns climbs up carrying a cheaply-made lantern. What's the
meaning of this?
We have read and heard many people claiming that Cirque du Soleil is
pretentious and takes itself too seriously. In Dralion, their beliefs
are squashed by the Parody act provided by the clown troupe. This
caricature re-enactment of the show is filled with extreme humor
causing tears of laughter and disbelief that they actually get away
with the mimicking of cast fellow members.
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