The Eternal Crew - A phantom ship emerges from the mist. Who goes there? Masters or slaves, pirates or merchants, living or dead? They are The Flayed Ones - the same ones who have traveled throughout all time, on a ship that never arrives. Have these tormented souls been battling the seas since the beginning of time?

Charting the course of life and the pursuit of dreams, this steel frame ship floating above the water provides the platform for this truly unique display of acrobatic timing and strength. At the foundation of the Bateau (French for “boat”) is the traditional circus discipline of the aerial cradle combined with gymnastics parallel bars for the very first time. This dynamic presentation brings the delicate balance of air and water to life.

The Bateau is another favorite amongst patrons, and happens to be one of mine as well. Behind the delicate balance between air and water lie the chants of "Remous" (which translates into "Movement"). Comets anchor the bateau while "Remous" lofts throughout the theater. Resembling a boat, it swings back and forth under the power of the acrobats. And together, the 10 performers of flyers and catchers, create an amazing display of timing, strength and agility.

The Bateau (or boat) has parallel bars with catch chairs positioned on opposite sides. This was first time these two disciplines have been combined in one single apparatus. It is made of Chromoly steel. (Chromoly steel is a type of low alloy steel that gets its name from a combination of the words "chromium" and "molybdenum" - two of the major alloying elements. Chromoly steel is often used when more strength is required than that of mild carbon steel.