Q&A: LADD Miami Circus Arts Center at Superblue

Miami, FL – November 10, 2022 – LADD Miami Circus Arts Center’s creative director Nicolas Allard, combined Superblue’s installations and merged them with his own flare to present a new immersive experience with the objective to merge modern art, fashion-tech, circus arts & incorporate a touch of humor. The show involved aerial and manipulation disciplines, similar to those of Cirque du Soleil-, that had guests amazed.

World Red Eye went behind the scenes with Nicolas Allard to dive into his new performance “Color Me Blue” and the inspiration behind it. Read the full Q&A below.

 

WRE: Walk us through the concept behind “Color Me Blue” — What was the inspiration?

Nicolas Allard: The concept behind “Color Me Blue” was inspired by my own personal experiences and emotional connections to the color blue. As an artist, I have always been drawn to the color blue, and I have found that it evokes a range of emotions and psychological experiences for me, from sadness and melancholy to peace and tranquility. Fun fact is I do have a tattoo that says “Blue boy”, so yeah it’s been a source of inspiration for a while. I wanted to explore these emotions and experiences through the medium of circus performance, and to create a show that could transport audiences into a world of blue, where they could experience the emotional power of this color in a dynamic and immersive way.To achieve this, I drew on a wide range of circus disciplines, including fashion-tech, aerial arts, dance, and music, and combined them with visual effects and a carefully crafted storyline to create a performance that was both emotionally resonant and visually stunning.

WRE: What do you hope audience members will feel while watching Color Me Blue?

NA: I want them to feel moved, captivated, and deeply engaged with the performance, and to experience a sense of connection and empathy with the performers. I also hope that audience members will feel a sense of wonder and amazement, as they are transported into a magical and immersive world created by the performance. I want them to be inspired by the creativity and skill of the performers, and to be transported into a state of awe and amazement.

 

I learned that with a strong willingness to challenge what’s deemed feasible, anything becomes possible.

Nicolas Allard

WRE: How does “Color Me Blue” differ from your previous show, “Drop Into the Blue”?

NA: “Color Me Blue” is a show that explores the emotions and psychological experiences associated with the color blue, using a combination of circus disciplines, music, and visual effects to create a dynamic and immersive performance. In contrast, “Drop Into the Blue” was a show that focused on the theme of falling and descent, using acrobatics and aerial acts to create a sense of movement and weightlessness.

One key difference between the two shows is the use of color and visual effects. “Color Me Blue” incorporates the color blue into all the performances, using lighting, costumes, and other elements to create a cohesive visual aesthetic. In contrast, “Drop Into the Blue” did not have a specific color palette or visual theme, instead focusing on the physical movements and acrobatic feats of the performers.Another difference between the two shows is the overall tone and mood. “Color Me Blue” is a more introspective and emotional show, though it has it’s funny moments thanks to the amazing work of our host, Teresa Cesario. “Drop Into the Blue” was a more energetic and dynamic performance, with a faster pace and a focus on physical feats.

WRE: How long did it take for this show to come to fruition?

NA: It took me a few months to bring the show to fruition. The development process for a show typically involves several stages, including conceptualization and planning, script and story development, casting and rehearsals, design and technical planning, and final rehearsals and performances. I was able to complete all of these stages in a relatively short time frame, thanks to the availability of resources and personnel, and the dedication and hard work of the entire production team.

While it may seem like a short period of time to develop a show, I am confident that “Color Me Blue” is a well-crafted, engaging, and successful performance, thanks to the careful planning and preparation that went into its creation. I am excited for audiences to experience the show, and I hope it leaves a lasting impression on them.

WRE: How did you step into your role as Creative Director at LADD Miami Circus Arts Center?

NA: I became the Creative Director at Miami Circus Arts Center (LADD) through a combination of my personal experience and skills as a circus artist, and the support and recognition of the organization’s leadership and community.

I have been involved in the circus arts for many years, and have developed a strong understanding of the art form, its history and traditions, and the challenges and opportunities faced by circus artists and organizations. I have also built a reputation as a skilled and creative performer and instructor (I won the gold medal at the Festival International du Cirque de Demain in Paris in 2020), and have worked with a variety of organizations and institutions in the circus arts community.

 

One of the key goals… is to provide access to high-quality circus arts education and training for individuals of all ages and abilities.

Nicolas Allard

WRE: As a trapeze gold medalist, how has your experience shaped your creativity and influenced your work?

NA: The discipline and training required to become a successful trapeze artist has taught me to approach my work with dedication, focus, and precision, and to strive for excellence in everything I do. This has helped me to develop a strong work ethic and a commitment to excellence, which are essential qualities for any creative discipline.

The challenges of executing complex and dynamic aerial maneuvers have taught me to be adaptable, creative, and resourceful, and to think outside the box when it comes to solving problems and creating new and innovative performances, most of the tricks taking place in swinging trapeze look impossible at first glance, but I learned that with a strong willingness to challenge what’s deemed feasible, anything becomes possible.

WRE: Could you tell us a bit about LADD Miami Circus Arts Center and the work they are doing?

NA: Miami Circus Arts Center (LADD) is a non-profit organization that is dedicated to promoting circus arts in the Miami area. The organization offers a range of programs and services, including circus classes and workshops, community outreach initiatives, and performance opportunities for aspiring circus artists.

One of the key goals of Miami Circus Arts Center (LADD) is to provide access to high-quality circus arts education and training for individuals of all ages and abilities. The organization offers classes and workshops in a wide range of circus disciplines, including acrobatics, aerial arts, contortion, handstands and many more disciplines, and provides expert instruction and coaching to help students develop their skills and talents. In addition to its education and training programs, Miami Circus Arts Center (LADD) also supports the local circus arts community by providing performance opportunities and promoting the work of local artists. The organization hosts a variety of circus events and performances, and works to raise awareness and support for the circus arts in the Miami area.