Dare to let your wild side show…
By Caroline Fontein
Get a taste of a more sensuous side of reality with Cirque du Soleil's Zumanity at New York-New York. This show explores the different realms of sexuality through stunning imagery, aerialists, comical vignettes and sultry dancing. Unlike other Cirque du Soleil productions, Zumanity has no storyline. Instead, this highly eroticized, cabaret-style spectacular has an array of unique characters whose performances are each themed by different elements of sexuality.
Before the show starts, characters appear in the audience for some playful interaction.
"If you are visiting Las Vegas and living la vida loca make some noise!" exclaims Antonio, the first character to appear. His irresistible charm, flirtatious personality and shiny gold suit captivate the audience.
While he gets the crowd aroused with some jokes, the voluptuous Botero twin sisters, dressed in racy French maid outfits, squeeze their way through the aisles. Everyone laughs as the sisters find themselves in awkward positions reaching or bending over guests while trying to hand out fresh strawberries.
Little by little, Antonio and the twins make their way to the stage with a parade of other intriguing characters as the real show begins. The show's Emcee, Edie, "the Mistress of Sensuality," is played by a flawless looking drag queen who explains that she will be your tour guide on your journey through the many facets of lust, passion and sensuality.
Intense drum beats fill the theater as a savage looking dancer, dressed in little more than a beaded loin cloth, performs an African tribal dance of uninhibited passion. The music intensifies as he gyrates and thrusts his body to the beat of the drums.
As new performers take the stage, the tone changes from subtle flirtations to that of hedonistic pleasure. The transition of acts and moods emulates the surge of various emotions that arise in every romantic relationship.
Edie reappears to introduce the next act, a slower more sensual number that conveys innocence in the face of sinful indulgence.
"Do you remember your first wet kiss?" asks Edie as a large bowl of water and two beautiful women appear on stage. They slip into the water and gracefully make their way to the bowl's edge for a series of incredible and sensuous poses.
The different acts and performers not only explore the many sides of sexuality but they also demonstrate the amazing capabilities of the human body.
The tone of the show then transforms into that of flirtatious fun as a striking woman dressed in a sexy schoolgirl outfit performs an act with hula hoops. After spinning a few hoops she takes to flight by grabbing a rope hanging from the ceiling. She gracefully twists and poses above the stage while continuing to spin the hoops in mid-air.
Each of the performers is unique in their personalities and appearances, promoting the idea that beauty comes in all shapes and sizes.
The Bolero sisters, along with a hilarious husband and wife duo, Mr. Dick and Mrs. Ginger, appear throughout the show for some comic relief. They turn some of the more taboo topics on sex into a source of laughter and fun for the audience.
Elena, a gorgeous and sweet dancer, does a tantalizing routine on top of a television in attempt to grab the attention of her football-focused partner. Her sultry dance moves excite everyone in the audience.
There are no topics off limits as Zumanity explores some of the darker sides of sex. Laetitia performs an exercise in self-inflicted pleasure and pain as she wraps herself in leather straps hanging from the ceiling. She uses the straps as a device for torture and teasing as she elegantly transitions into new poses while hanging above the stage.
This intense scene is followed by a more romantic number with a male and female aerialist duo who perform a stunning dance using a white curtain hanging from the ceiling. They dazzle the audience with their graceful choreography in mid air before making their way back to the stage.
Zumanity's uninhibited theme is a refreshing break from the norm. It takes an amusing look at sexuality and reminds us all that intimacy should always be about having fun.
