Jason Khor: Five Reasons to Catch Cirque Eloize

I've always been inspired by the literary. This is probably the first time I was so entertained, shocked, surprised and inspired by movement. The stunts were given context by the ever-changing projected backdrop. We were transported to construction sites, back alleys, the grittiest of urban landscapes, kicking the traditional art of juggling and acrobatics into more modern, darker, tougher times.

The energy was also on point, and every single one of the cast was just radiating passion. Their teamwork evident when there were moments that they had to put their lives in each others' hands.

Here's Five Reasons why you should catch Cirque Eloize:

1. Contrast, Combinations, Collaborations

In isolation, some of the acts like b-boying and bicycle stunts are not unlike what you would see on the streets. But together, they are unbelievable. They were not afraid to feature their talents alongside each other, and side-by-side that really brought out the tension between the acts. B-Boy alongside a contortionist? Cloth aerial alongside in-line skating?

The mid-show finale was a power-packed rope-skipping free-for-all, where every one injected their skills to produce a unique spectacle only the 16 of them could put up, together.

2. Heart-stopping, Death-defying Stunts

The show had quieter, slower moments. Gentler moments. Humorous moments even. (The juggler segment was really amusing.)

But it was the heart-stopping death-defying moments that stole the show, and the air from our lungs. The sudden dropping from a three-storey high pole and the ascension of multiple chairs by this superhero gymnast (pictures above) did it for me. Mind-blown.

3. Urban costumes on a Ridiculously Good Looking Cast

Mmm. Yes, yes and yes.

The lightning tank, green pants and black open jacket looks do it for me.

Why can't we wear such things every day in real life?

4. What are human limits?

Wah. The flexibility. The strength. The precision. It seemed that nothing was impossible for this troupe. It got me questioning - WHAT ARE LIMITS? IT WAS LIKE - THERE WERE NONE. What am I doing with my life. Why can't I do this. Am I an underperforming human?

Where's the nearest gymnastics, handstand, b-boy, acrobatics class, yoga, stretching thingamajig? Sign me up now.

5. The Grand Finale - Walking on Air

Already bowled over, with no idea what could top everything that came before, the grand finale was an absolute stunner. Flouting the laws of gravity, one of the performers bounced with his back, a good four metres into the air and stepped up onto a platform... like fucking reverse bungee jumping. And before we knew it 4-5 of them started doing the same and it was like a huge human-as-balls juggling trick that was just too much for my brain to comprehend.

Amazing.