An aerial hoop artist is recuperating after falling during a Cirque du Soleil performance in Oregon, as stated by the production team. The incident, recorded on video, took place during the “KOOZA” show at the Portland Exposition Center in Portland on Saturday.
The performer was seen spinning in circles on a hoop suspended from the ceiling before falling mid-act. The audience gasped as she hit the ground. “KOOZA” issued a statement on Facebook on Monday, confirming the artist is “recovering and being taken care of by our medical and coaching team.” The statement expressed gratitude for the concern and well wishes for the aerial hoop artist.
The statement assured that “safety is of our utmost concern, and they will be cared for until they can return to the show,” and hoped the audience enjoyed the rest of the performance. The performer’s name was not disclosed.
Brian Goldstein, who attended the show with his two children, told to a news agency that the fall happened about half an hour into the performance. “It was very surprising and shocking,” he said. “It was very scary for my daughter.”
His son, Benjamin, filmed the fall. Benjamin initially thought it was part of the act until he noticed the surprised reactions of the performers. Brian Goldstein praised the team’s response and the performer’s composure.
“She gave a thumbs up as she was carried off stage, which was a positive sign,” he said. After a 20-minute pause, a representative addressed the audience, stating the artists were willing to continue, and the show resumed. “I have to commend those performers for continuing after such an incident,” he said. “They did a phenomenal job.”
He extended well wishes to the aerial hoop artist, hoping for her speedy recovery. Cirque du Soleil’s website describes “KOOZA” as a combination of “acrobatic performance and the art of clowning, exploring fear, identity, recognition, and power.”
The show is scheduled to run at the Portland Expo Center until 6 October.
What Other Media Are Saying
- KGW reports that an aerial hoop artist was injured during the 7 p.m. performance of Cirque du Soleil’s “KOOZA” show at the Portland Expo Center. The performer was taken to the hospital for further evaluation and is conscious and stable.(read more)
- ABC News reports that an aerial hoop artist was injured during the 7 p.m. performance of Cirque du Soleil’s KOOZA show in Portland, Oregon, on Saturday night. The artist was conscious and stable after the fall and was taken to the hospital for further evaluation.(read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
What happened to the Cirque du Soleil aerial hoop artist in Oregon?
The artist fell during a ‘KOOZA’ performance at the Portland Expo Center.
Is the aerial hoop artist okay after the fall?
Yes, the artist is recovering and being cared for by the medical and coaching team.
How did the audience react to the fall during the Cirque du Soleil show?
The audience gasped in shock when the artist fell to the ground.
Did the Cirque du Soleil show continue after the fall?
Yes, the show resumed after a roughly 20-minute pause.
What is ‘KOOZA’ about?
‘KOOZA’ combines acrobatic performance and clowning, exploring fear, identity, recognition, and power.