Le Cirque de la Nuit: Veradeasi is a new Cornucopia party and dance night that promises "a journey into the mystical world of high-flying theatrics and awe-inspiring circus performances."
You can swing to music with your sweetheart below while aerial performers wow you from above. It's a tableau of lush costuming and a show rolled into one.
"It's a full-on sensory experience," agrees organizer Chantal Limoges.
"It's visual, then there's the decorations and costumes, the sound... it gives people an experience outside the box for one night, and takes them into a world that is completely different."
After selling out events in Calgary, Le Cirque comes to the Fairmont Chateau Whistler on Friday, Nov. 13. Tickets are $85, for 19-plus only.
Hooping, aerial pole, dance, acrobatics, belly dancing, contact ball illusion, contortion and juggling kick off the fun at 9 p.m. and run all night until 2 a.m.
"They're such phenomenal characters and performers," says Limoges.Cornucopia, Whistler's celebration of food and drink, takes place around the resort from Nov. 5 to 15.
"We want to encourage people to dress up in their best circus attire. Guests can go as minimal or as big as they want," says Limoges.
Proceeds from the night will be going to the Whistler Adaptive Sports Program.
Le Cirque de la Nuit has performed around Alberta, and previously took part of its show to the Shambhala music festival in the West Kootenays.
Co-founder Jai Benteau says Whistler will be the first time the full Cirque experience comes to a B.C. venue. The theme of each show changes as they try to create a unique environment.
"A lot of people who have come to our first show came to every show after that. It's a great escape. This is more than just a musical event, and it's more than just a performance event," says Benteau.
"We've spared no expense to create an environment that is unique and intoxicating. It's hard to be there and not get into the spirit of what is going on."
Benteau is a DJ with gypsy swing "sideshow" group Bass Caravan. One night while at work he thought it would be fun to put on parties that focus on what happens to the performers after the show.
Reached by phone in Calgary, Benteau says Le Cirque captures people's imaginations — and they absolutely encourage costumes.
"We try to create a participatory experience. Less about being in a seat and more about trying to build an environment that is so immersive that people can't resist," he says.
"It's more than just witnessing."
Vancouver's Omnika In Motion joins Beats Antiques Live and Bass Caravan in providing music and performances at the Fairmont.
"We focus on the underbelly of the circus. They make their performance work within the music that is happening," he says.
Veradeasi is about the Dawn of Winter, Limoges says.
"There isn't a set theme to the Dawn of Winter. It is a celebratory look and feel that is important. We thought it would be great to celebrate the coming of winter and Whistler is huge for that," she says.
More Cornucopia
Le Cirque de la Nuit: Veradeasi is one of several key events at this year's Cornucopia.
Back this year is the Dubh Linn Gate's Prohibition Night — with live music and dance — on the opening night, Thursday, Nov. 5 at 9 p.m. Tickets are $10
The Longhorn is holding a Mardis Gras kickoff party with live music and DJs on Friday, Nov. 6 at 9 p.m.
Art Throwdown is where eight artists compete against each other by creating a painting in just 30 minutes, with knockout rounds leading to a final. Your votes decide who gets to the next round. All paintings can be later purchased through silent auction. Art Throwdown takes place at Garfinkel's on Wednesday, Nov. 11 at 7 p.m. Tickets are $5.
Comedy Kitchen is a chance to chow down on some humour. Host Kelly Dyer with Katie-Ellen Humphries and Ivan Decker perform at Buffalo Bills on Thursday, Nov. 12 at 8:30 p.m. Headliner Humphries recently appeared on the Winnipeg Comedy Fest Gala (CBC) and She Kills Me (APTN). Tickets are $20.
And Revolutions at the Bearfoot Bistro is a night of DJs and dancing until the wee hours. It takes place on Saturday, Nov. 14 at 10 p.m. Tickets are $100.
"We've definitely ramped up the arts and entertainment this year," says Kelly Hand, event director for Cornucopia.
"It's a well-rounded event in terms of food and drink and we are more excited than ever this year. Cornucopia has a great reputation and we had a lot of people come to us. It was a win-win as we thought these events were a good fit."
For more information on Cornucopia and to purchase tickets, visit www.whistlercornucopia.com.
