Gold Coast Star Helena Merten Brings Cirque du Soleil’s LUZIA Home
Gold Coast Star Helena Merten Brings Cirque du Soleil’s LUZIA Home
From Dreams to Reality: Helena Merten Returns Home with Cirque du Soleil’s Breathtaking LUZIA
What’s Happening?
Helena Merten, a Gold Coast native and one of the stars of Cirque du Soleil's LUZIA, will perform in Queensland for the first time when the show premieres in Brisbane on September 25, 2024.
This event marks 25 years since Cirque du Soleil first performed in the Sunshine State.
Helena is known for her roles as a Hoop Diver, Acrobatic Pole artist, and Swing to Swing performer.
Returned to her hometown last Friday, Helena visited the Southport Surf Lifesaving Club, Main Beach, in full costume and makeup showcasing her monarch butterfly-inspired character, The Running Women offering fans a unique chance to meet local talent reaching the pinnacle of acrobatic performance.
She was joined by fellow Australian artist Nelson Smyles, who performs as a Hoop Diver and Back-Up Clown.
Why it Matters?
Helena's homecoming is not just a performance; it's the culmination of her lifelong dream that began at age seven when she first watched Cirque du Soleil in Brisbane.
Returning to her roots to perform for friends and family adds a personal and emotional layer to this milestone, celebrating her journey from Gold Coast gymnast to Cirque du Soleil star.
Nelson Smyles, born in Melbourne, also highlights the potential of young Australian performers on the world stage.
By the Numbers
Helena started gymnastics at five and became an Australian Champion in Tumbling.
At 21, she became the youngest athlete to compete in the 2015 Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series.
Nelson began training in gymnastics at four and later specialised in Hoop Diving, Clowning, and Acrobatics at the National Institute of Circus Arts in Melbourne.
LUZIA's cast and crew comprise 126 members, with 47 artists from 26 countries.
The show features around 1,000 costumes and is Cirque du Soleil’s first touring production to incorporate rain into its performances.
Zoom In
Helena Merten's journey is a testament to her relentless pursuit of excellence. She competed internationally in diving and tumbling before transitioning into stage performance, where she fell in love with acrobatics and audience interaction.
Joining LUZIA in 2017 allowed Helena to combine her diverse skills and embrace new disciplines, making her one of the most versatile performers in the troupe.
Nelson Smyles, meanwhile, turned his passion for Parkour and movement into a professional circus career, signing with Cirque du Soleil just before finishing his degree at NICA.
His unique combination of skills as a Hoop Diver and Clown adds a dynamic flair to LUZIA.
Zoom Out
LUZIA is Cirque du Soleil's tribute to Mexico’s cultural heritage, blending traditional and modern elements through acrobatics, art, and music.
Written and directed by Daniele Finzi Pasca, the show presents an imagined Mexico, infused with light and rain, creating a dreamlike experience for audiences worldwide.
Local Impact
Helena’s return resonates deeply with the Queensland community, highlighting the region’s contribution to the global arts scene.
Her performance, alongside Nelson’s, is an inspiring example for aspiring athletes and performers in Australia, proving that dedication and passion can lead to international success.
What to Look for Next?
Catch Helena Merten and Nelson Smyles in action when LUZIA opens in Brisbane on September 25.
Click the link for more details: https://www.cirquedusoleil.com/Luzia.
