US acrobat seasons international holiday cirque du soleil
Samuel Moore in a scene from Simplify Your Life. By Kyle
Flubacker, courtesy of MSG Entertainment
Caribbean Life, December 24-30, 2021 11
By Vinette K. Pryce
For more than two and a half
decades, Madison Square Garden
has taken second billing to
Radio City Music Hall during
the Christmas holiday season.
Despite presentations of
“How The Grinch Stole Christmas,”
“A Christmas Carol,” and
yuletide productions with TV
“Idol” stars Clay Aitken and
Ruben Stoddard stepping into
the arena to deliver holiday
cheer, through the years the
Rockettes have maintained
their reputation as the most
alluring attraction for tourists
and residents alike.
However, now that a real
life Scrooge scenario forced
the devastating cancellation
of the season’s annual RCMH
Christmas Spectacular, the
Hulu Theater at MSG’s offering
of ‘Twas The Night Before”
has emerged the best option to
families seeking festive reprieve
during Christmas present.
Presented daily, the Cirque
Du Soleil feature offers a hefty
treat to legions of families disappointed
by the surge of COVID
19 infections which halted
the full run at Radio City.
Adapted from a 19th century
poem ‘Twas the Night Before
Christmas’ — or sometimes
referred to as ‘A visit from
St. Nicholas’ and “The Night
Before Christmas” — this stylized
interpretation features an
international cast who ensure
90 minutes of awesome, nonstop
entertainment.
In this energized showcase, a
teenager named Isabella appears
disenchanted and a bit disconnected
from Christmas fervor.
Her detached demeanor underscores
visions of fun, excitement,
cheer or any indication
of the advent of the season. But
with the help of elves, aerialists,
a clown, Santa Claus and many
of the incredibly unexpected talent
from Cirque enchantments,
in the end, the zeal Isabella
longed for is restored.
Featuring a predominant
international cast, Samuel
Moore is among the handful
representing the United States.
Along with an ensemble
team to perform high-flying,
whirling acrobatics he appears
disappears and re-appears
exhibiting flexibility, athleticism
and effortless skill that
awakens audiences to the legitimacy
of hip-hop dancing.
Born and raised in Oceanside,
California, at age 25
Moore is returning for a second
seasons after debuting in the
Chicago 2019 premiere.
Returning to deliver dance
steps he has refined since first
somersaulting across a mat at
about 8 years of age, Moore
described the audience as
“amazing.” “I felt the energy, it
was fun time.”
Of his arrival to the Big
Apple, Moore said his family
is integral to the journey. Two
brothers and as many sisters
factored but it was his older sister
Jarrica Cooper who introduced
him to the hobby which
evolved to a passion.
Trained in hip hop styles —
krump, breakdancing, and a little
bit of popping – Moore expanded
his repertoire to include cheerleading
and gymnastics. Moore
was driven by passion, success,
and support he attributes to big
sister and Estralita.
His journey has been storied.
He has worked with Billie Eilish,
Paula Abdula, and more!”
When the audition call came
for Cirque Du Soleil, Moore
said he was elated.
As one of the chosen few
from the USA, an original
member of the 2019 cast and
recalled after the 2020 Covid-
19 lockdowns, Moore is now
front and center at NYC’s biggest
holiday attraction.
Along with fellows of the
Kinjaz Dance Crew he mixes
theater, music, dance and acrobatics
to deliver the magic of
Christmas through the delightful
pageantry of a circus.
Of his pursuit of an enviable
dance career he said: “Do what
you love, do it for you, because
you love it.”
The show’s final performance
is slated for Dec. 27.
Have a wonderful, magical,
adventurous and safe Christmas.
Catch You On The Inside!
Inside Life
By Vinette K. Pryce
Wishing You a Wonderful Holiday
Season Full of Joy and Success!
Many Blessings to All!
Congressman Gregory W. Meeks
5th Congressional District of New York
@GregMeeksNYC
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Paid for and authorized by Friends for Gregory Meeks