"SALTIMBANCO," CIRQUE DU SOLEIL, E Center, Aug. 5-9, times vary (801-988-8800)
WEST VALLEY CITY — Zbigniew "Zibi" Bachor has been performing Cirque du Soleil's "Saltimbanco" since 1995. He said it takes a lot of hard work and training to keep up with the demands of this physically-trying performance.
However, all of the blood, sweat and tears is worth the moment he steps on stage.
"That's the best part," said Bachor who hails form Wroclaw, Poland. "We are trying to do our best. That's one of the exciting moments of all the show's preparations. When people are watching the show and you are giving as much energy and quality performance as you can."
Bachor, who is one of the tumblers and fliers, said being a part of the company has given him opportunities beyond his imagination.
"We travel around the world and meet a lot of people around the world and do a lot of special events around the world," he said. "We did one of the events with Michael Jackson in Europe in Germany in 1996. We did one special performance for Queen Elizabeth II in London.
"And I remember setting up in Australia," he said. "The show used to be a 'Big-Top' setting and the lights and setting was so beautiful. And to have all those people watching makes it exciting."
"Saltimbanco" has since been removed from the "Big-Top" setting to arenas, making and it easier to perform in smaller venues and reaching more people.
Wednesday night, "Saltimbanco" began its five-day run at the E Center.
When you do go, leave your adult-persona at the door and step into a world of imagination. Be prepared to interact with the performers, because they randomly pick people to join them on stage and participate in mime sequences.
Furthermore, there are strong men, acrobats, tumblers, bola-percussionists, a troupe of trapeze/bungie artists, a live band and a slew of clowns.
Some of the feats, including one strong man balancing another on his head and neck, seem inhuman. Others like the free-fall bungee/trapeze number are breathtaking. And the mime sequences are endearing, but do contain mild innuendo.
"Saltimbanco," is actually one of the more intimate performances of the Cirque du Soleil catalog. And can be enjoyed by the whole family.
e-mail: scott@desnews.com