Lea Toran Jenner: Duo Unity “Monte-Carlo” Circus Festival
On this episode of the Circuspreneur Podcast, host Shenea Stiletto interviews Lea Toran Jenner of Duo Unity, who with her partner Francis Perreault, are an innovative Circus Cyr Wheel Duo. Duo Unity is currently performing at the prestigious Moulin Rouge in Paris, and is fresh off of their invitation to compete at the Festival International du Cirque de Monte-Carlo in Monaco. Their other accomplishments include winning the Bronze Medal at the prestigious Festival Mondial du Cirque de Demain, and the Silver Award at the Budapest Lyrical Circus Festival.
What makes performing at the Moulin Rouge such a prestigious opportunity?
Leah describes the Moulin Rouge as one of the most iconic cabaret venues in the world, with a history spanning over 130 years. Famous for its can-can dancers and romantic ambiance, it hosts two shows every night, drawing audiences from around the globe. Unlike traditional circus venues, the Moulin Rouge stage is intimate, with strict spatial limitations. Only three circus acts are featured per show, making it highly competitive. Leah and Francis secured their contract after winning a prize at the Paris Circus Festival, where the Moulin Rouge’s owner personally invited them to perform. Their act aligns well with the venue’s sensual yet artistic aesthetic, combining grace, intimacy, and high-level circus skills.
What was your experience like performing at the Monte Carlo Festival?
Leah shares that Monte Carlo Festival was a career highlight, marking one of the most prestigious circus events worldwide. She and Francis, coming from non-circus family backgrounds, always dreamed of performing there but didn’t know how to break in. The invitation-only nature of the festival meant they had to be scouted over time. The festival’s challenge was the stage setup, which required a hard floor—a rare accommodation in a traditional circus setting. They prepared meticulously, performing in Germany’s Christmas Circus to adjust to the round stage. Though their first performance was nerve-wracking, their second show was a magical experience, allowing them to fully immerse themselves in the moment. Leah emphasizes that rather than treating the festival as a competition, they focused on sharing their art, making it a fulfilling and emotional milestone in their careers.
What was it like transitioning from circus performing to competing in Seer Wheel as a sport?
Leah recounts her unexpected journey into competitive Seer Wheel, a discipline that originated as a circus apparatus but has since evolved into a structured sport. After joining Cirque du Soleil’s Luzia, she started refining her solo skills with younger, more competitive artists. Encouraged by a German coach, she entered the competition world, first at a smaller event before deciding to train for the World Championships. Competing under Spain due to her dual nationality, she bypassed lengthy qualifiers. Leah approached the championship strategically, analyzing point-scoring elements and training rigorously for months. Unexpectedly, she won the title, solidifying herself as the World Champion of Seer Wheel. She plans to compete again but acknowledges that every competition remains a challenge due to its technical rigor and high-level contenders.
How did social media impact your career as a circus artist?
Leah discusses how she experimented with social media initially, simply documenting her daily life as a circus performer. However, her content quickly gained traction as audiences became fascinated by behind-the-scenes aspects of circus life, such as costume changes and training routines. She later expanded her reach by creating German-language content, tapping into national pride and relatability. This move led to lucrative brand deals and a significant following. More notably, her social media presence increased her value as an artist. She was able to track ticket sales for shows she performed in, demonstrating her ability to draw audiences. This innovative approach has positioned her as a circuspreneur, leveraging social media to elevate her career and create new opportunities beyond traditional performance contracts.
What advice do you have for performers looking to take control of their careers?
Leah emphasizes the importance of adaptability and self-promotion. She advises artists to harness digital platforms to build a personal brand, not just rely on contracts. By creating engaging content, performers can attract wider audiences and offer value beyond their technical skills. Leah also highlights the need to diversify one’s skill set—whether through competition, entrepreneurial ventures, or creative collaborations. She envisions a future where circus artists generate their own productions and audiences rather than relying solely on established venues. Her approach exemplifies how modern performers can merge artistry with business acumen, paving their own paths in the industry.
Key Takeaways:
- Performing at Moulin RougeA prestigious cabaret with a demanding schedule and selective casting.
- Monte Carlo Circus FestivalAn invitation-only event where Leah and Francis showcased their artistry.
- Becoming Cyr Wheel World ChampionLeah won after months of focused training, bridging circus and sports.
- Leveraging Social MediaTikTok and Instagram boosted her visibility, leading to sponsorships and ticket sales.
- The Future of CircusAdaptability, skill diversification, and digital engagement are key to long-term success.
Listen to this Episode on:
Spotify / Apple Podcasts / YouTube
Shenea was also a finalist on America’s Got Talent and has continued to be a featured artist with prominent circus entertainment companies worldwide.
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Editor's Note: At StageLync, an international platform for the performing arts, we celebrate the diversity of our writers' backgrounds. We recognize and support their choice to use either American or British English in their articles, respecting their individual preferences and origins. This policy allows us to embrace a wide range of linguistic expressions, enriching our content and reflecting the global nature of our community.
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