World-class circus artists launch Ignite fest in the desert outside Las Vegas
Ignite performers Philippe Belanger and Marie-Lee Guilbert rehearse at the Las Vegas Circus Center.
Photo:
Steve Marcus
Eager performers gather in a southwest Valley rehearsal space on a Thursday in early April. They remove their shoes to walk on floors padded for acrobats. They stretch and lounge, waiting their turn to dance or sing or make jokes.
The scene feels strange in its familiarity. These seasoned professionals who have graced some of the most prestigious Strip stages must have spent countless afternoons like this. And yet, for the past year, the shows have been dark, the rehearsals disbanded.