Gracefully launching one’s body into the air with unwavering confidence, fixating on the intended destination — the poetic essence encapsulated in every mesmerizing acrobatic feat. Alina Sotnikava, an ex-gymnastics champion from Belarus, decided to change the route of her path in her early stages of life. At the age of 20, she made a big decision to give up her fame and reputation to start anew by joining Cirque du Soleil as an acrobat, and it was truly a change that marked a significant shift in her life.
Embarking on novel undertakings invariably commences with a renewed sense of purpose - an axiom embodied by Sotnikava. In an interview with SB News, she mentioned how her transformative decision stemmed from a weariness during her time as a professional gymnast. Notably, she etched her name in history as the youngest qualifier for the 2011 World Cup in Tokyo, representing the Belarusian women's team. However, this marked a pivotal juncture as she bid farewell to the glittering allure of elite gymnastics. The change in her career proved to be the embodiment of her resilience and foresight, as she confidently asserts having "never regretted" her departure from gymnastics. This courageous choice has propelled her onto an entirely distinct path, casting aside the glitz and glory for a more nuanced and fulfilling path. Sotnikava now finds herself embarking on a new journey, unfolding within the embrace of her new profession.
From Discovering Talent in Gymnastics to New Endeavors in Acrobatics
Despite Sotnikava being a world-class gymnast now, she initially stumbled upon it by chance. When she was young, her mother's friend enrolled her daughter in gymnastics classes, after which Sotnikava's mother also decided to sign her daughter up. A year later, the other family switched to tennis lessons, but Sotnikova remained committed to gymnastics because she was a stellar student and found it more enjoyable than school. However, in her first year at university, Sotnikava came to the realization that being in professional sports was not her calling, and she had no aspirations to become a coach in the future. It was during this time that an acquaintance introduced her to the realm of the circus, and she prepared a performance that helped her succeed during the audition.
Cirque du Soleil's latest spectacle, LUZIA, marks a triumphant return with a stellar cast of actors, musicians, and acrobats, and Sotnikava shines among them with her mesmerizing pole and water performances. The Granite Tower (GT) interviewed Sotnikava to find out more about her journey towards becoming an acrobatic sensation.
GT: Can you share some details about your first experiences with Cirque du Soleil?
Sotnikava: When I was involved in gymnastics, one of my coaches introduced me to Cirque du Soleil. After researching the company and witnessing the astonishing shows they produced, I knew that working for them was a future aspiration. Eventually, it all fell into place. The POP circus swing-to-swing act that I participated in received an invitation to audition for Cirque du Soleil's upcoming show, LUZIA. We were chosen to be part of the production. In 2015, we relocated to Montreal, Canada, to commence rehearsals for the show, which premiered in 2016 in the same city. Since then, I have been touring with the show, traveling to Canada, the USA, Mexico, and Europe, and currently, we are in South Korea. I am profoundly grateful that my dedication and hard work have granted me the opportunity to join this remarkable company I had always dreamed of working for.
GT: Can you describe the training and preperation required for your role as a circus acrobat and compare it to the training you underwent as a gymnast?
Sotnikava: The circus world and the gymanstic world exhibit notable differences. Despite both domains featuring elite atheletes, their training processes diverge significantly. In gymnastics, year-round training is dedicated to a few annual competitions, where mastery of four disciplines is crucial, all while enduring the pressure of representing one's country - a notably stressful endeavor. Contrastingly, in the circus realm, training is geared toward delivering eight to 10 shows weekly to an audience. Here, performers enjoy artistic freedom to embody their characters on stage, with spectators present to marvel rather than adjudicate. I personally engage in training with the dance pole, another discipline featured in the show. Preparing for each performance involves dedicating 45 minutes to an hour for hair and makeup. Just before our act, I engage in a thorough 30-minute warm- up. This meticulously crafted routine ensures that both my body and mind are primed for the stage every day.
GT: What is the most thrilling or challenging circus act you have performed with Cirque du Soleil, and how do you prepare for such performances?
Sotnikava: Undoubtedly, the thrill of the swing-to-swing act is unparalleled. Experiencing the sensation of flight generates an indescribable rush of adrenaline. Managing the excitement and stress preceding each jump demands extensive training, and adapting to the nuances of this discipline proved to be one of the most significant challenges in my career. While the butterflies persist daily, I have acquired the ability to navigate and embrace them. Presently, my primary challenge lies in finding comfort within the dance pole discipline - an endeavor relatively new to me. It demands a unique blend of strength and flexibility, distinct from the skills honed in the swing-to-swing act.
GT: In LUZIA, you perform alongside a diverse and talented cast. What is the camaraderie like among the performers, and how does it contribute to the overall success of the show?
Sotnikava: We have a cast and crew of about 124 people coming from 26 different countries. People like to say that we are an international family. I feel grateful to have the opportunity to work with such a diverse team with many different backgrounds. I love to be able to learn new skills and disciplines from other artists. We love to motivate and push ourselves. I like to be surrounded by talented people with such a high level of energy. It's the best motivation in the world.
GT: What are your future goals and aspirations in your circus career with Cirque du Soleil or beyond?
Sotnikava: LUZIA is my favorite Cirque du Soleil show, and I feel really lucky to be a part of it. I've been part of this show since 2016 and I feel at home here. I hope I can stay on this show for as long as possible. When the time comes for me to retire from the circus world, I think I would like to be involved in the beauty industry. It's something that I've always been passionate about. Or maybe I'll go back to my first love and design costumes for gymnasts.