Cirque du Soleil, the Canadian circus phenomenon, has amazed audiences worldwide since its debut in 1984. The entertainment powerhouse owes its success not only to its impressive shows but also to the incredible people who bring them to life.
Alan Parry, a seasoned stage manager with 21 years of service with the organization, and Bayarma Zodboeva, an incredible contortionist, are two of the many employees who have contributed to Cirque du Soleil’s wild success. Their journey within the company has been enchanting, as they have helped to create some of the most captivating shows Cirque du Soleil has ever produced.
Love under the big top
Parry and Zodboeva met in 2014 at the company’s headquarters in Montreal. Sharing a passion for performance led them on a journey travelling to over 50 cities for work, not counting the cities they had visited individually.
The couple’s love story flourished amidst the excitement of circus life. They eventually married in Portland and later welcomed a new member to their small family, their son, Ashton, born in Sydney, Australia. Parenthood came with its own set of challenges similar to the thrill and excitement of performing before thousands of people.
“When you add a son to that equation, it does change things. There is a period of adjustment to figure it all out,” explained Parry.
The balancing act of parenting
As a contortionist, Zodboeva also worried about how pregnancy would affect her body and career. After taking time off for the birth of her son, she was looking forward to returning to work. Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic hit in March 2020, causing her and her partner to have an unexpected and prolonged break lasting almost three years. This situation added unforeseen stress to their family dynamic.
Once Cirque du Soleil was able to continue productions across the globe, the couple, along with their son, eagerly began working again. Although they haven’t secured a permanent nanny, they said the organization has been a reliable support system for their family on tour. They also mentioned how they’ve received generous help with visa arrangements and the resources they require for their nomadic lifestyle. And when they perform in a new city, the couple hire different nannies to look after their son.
Globetrotting toddler
Ashton, who is now four years old, has been living and enjoying his parents’ lifestyle since birth. He flew on his first flight at just two weeks old and his passport contains stamps from 16 countries, an accomplishment that many adults can only dream of.
“While other children might be looking in a children’s book about the Coliseum in Rome or the Eiffel Tower in Paris, he’s been there already, and he’s happy to tell you about it. It’s an incredible privilege,” said Parry.
Ashton’s multicultural upbringing has given him impressive language skills. He effortlessly switches between languages, much to the amusement of his parents.
“It really annoys me that my four-year-old understands Russian and I don’t,” said Parry.
Juggling education on the move
But Ashton is not the only child who travels with the Cirque Du Soleil crew.
“On tour [right now] we have almost 30 kids, some of them older, but for sure 10 kids around Ashton’s age,” said Zodboeva.
Education is a top priority for Ashton’s parents, but how do you send a kid to school who has travelled a lot and already knows so much about different cultures?
“That’s the one-million-dollar question. There are lots of parents that homeschool or do online school. We take it as it comes,” Parry said, with optimism.
Whether he is eating various cuisines from around the world with his dad or seeing his mother perform on stage, Ashton has developed a deep appreciation for the extraordinary from a very young age. At only four, his life is full of enchantment, wonder and endless possibilities.
Although they dream of settling down someday, the couple is committed to enjoying every moment of their transient lifestyle, ensuring that Ashton experiences the world’s wonders firsthand.