The latest “indie production” from Lea Hinz and Las Vegas Circus Center will broaden your perception of immersive performance art…
I’ve said it many times before, yet it bears repeating. When artists are freed of scripts, corporate structure, and the concepts of others, their own creativity becomes boundless. That truth was evident last year when accomplished acrobat/instructor/visionary Lea Hinz brought CIRCUS AFTER DARK to the Las Vegas Circus Center.
The amazing production, which involved youthful performers (ages ten through twenty-six) enjoyed capacity crowds during its limited run. Here is my original take on the glorious 2023 show:
It’s FUERZA BRUTA meets PARTICLE INK. Surreal, gorgeous, stimulating, and a superlative out-of-the-box entertainment experience.
Lea Hinz personifies circus artistry and has performed around the globe. As a Las Vegas resident, she’s thrilled audiences at Mayfair Supper Club, in large-scale productions like ABSINTHE, and lent her distinctive style to the 2024 rebirth of PARTICLE INK: House of Shattered Prisms at Luxor.
PARTICLE INK: House of Shattered Prisms at LUXOR
It can be difficult to grasp the internal forces that motivate artists like Hinz to create create create. Fortunately, she and her counterparts have an outlet at Las Vegas Circus Center. An expansive training/practice center for athletes and artists of all ages, the LVCC boasts equipment and facilities that cater to everyone from beginners to Cirque du Soleil and Spiegelworld professionals.
Lea Hinz (photo by Shane O’Neal)
With CIRCUS AFTER DARK being such a runaway success, it’s no surprise that Lea and the company are back with another summer “guerilla production” at LVCC. This one is entitled CLOUD 7, and here’s the official description:
Come and experience Cloud 7! Witness a mesmerizing blend of acrobatics, dance, and cutting-edge visual effects that will transport you to a world beyond the clouds. This captivating performance is a journey into the future of Circus Arts, perfect for the whole family to enjoy. Don’t miss out on this magical evening of live entertainment!
This writer is a little ashamed to admit that I’m publishing this feature at the tail end of CLOUD 7‘s run. Barring an extension, only two performances remain. The dates are Friday and Saturday, August 9 and 10 at 8:30 pm. Once again, the production is open to all ages, but there are a few things to know.
As with Fuerza Bruta and Spiegelworld‘s new DiscoShow, guests are expected to stand for most of the running time. The word “immersive” is tossed around plenty these days, but this is the real deal. You are moved from location to location, thrilling to individual set pieces throughout the expansive facility.
Guests are advised of the use of darkness, strobe and flashing lights, smoke effects, walking, and optional scrambling. Please refrain from bringing large bags.
Alternative viewing areas will be available for those who require special assistance. Much of the fun involves exploring crawl spaces and traversing uneven surfaces. So dress for mobility, comfort, and potentially warm indoor temperatures. But leave the shirtless opportunities to the sizzling male performers, okay?
CLOUD 7 has a stellar team behind the scenes, high above, and all around you. Here are the production credits:
Creatives: Lea Hinz (director, choreographer, designer) and Paige Borak (light design)
Co-choreographers: Ben Baumann Marco DeSanti
Production: Brand & Michelle Hunt from Las Vegas Circus Center
Crew: Ivan Vargas (lead), Random Hunt, Kai Mosley, Christopher Stoineev
Design & Tech Support: David Baker, Shauna Frazier, Andi Gladwin, Carisa Hendrix, Letty Lopez, Joel Sebastian, Russel Woo
CLOUD 7 cast (photo by James Glader)
Advance tickets are $35 and only available online. A limited amount of walk-in tickets may be available at the door, but don’t count on it. Reserve your admission for the final two performances of CLOUD 7 (August 9 and 10 at 8:30 pm) by heading here. The show runs approximately 90 minutes and is suitable for all ages.
Las Vegas Circus Center is located at 6425 S. Jones Blvd. Parking is free.
