LEONARD GRAY

PARADIS – The J.B. Martin Middle School auditorium was jammed Wednesday with hundreds of students, all sporting bulbous red noses. They were all facing a massive computer screen, from where they watch in awe a 10-year-old Chinese girl. The girl was balanced upside down on one slender, steel-tough arm while her body contorted and twisted. Later, the young girl answered questions in a high voice and with a charming smile. This was only a part of Cirque du Soleil’s presentation, by way of a live internet “webcast” of its production, “Dralion.” Cirque du Soleil, in cooperation with Cox Cable and the Bravo Channel, worked with St. Charles Parish Schools to bring the Chinese acrobatic circus to Paradis, at least electronically. The school was one of 15 schools from coast to coast participating in this live event, through telephones, e-mail and live remote “webcasting.” The schools ranged from Laguna Beach, Calif., to Warwick, R.I. At J.B. Martin, Jessica Webb, 14, of Luling, had the opportunity to ask the performers what their inspiration was and were their parents supportive of their dream. “It’s every acrobat’s dream to perform with Cirque du Soleil,” responded one, which was just what Webb, an aspiring dancer with dreams of Broadway of her own, wanted to hear. “I do a lot of dance now,” Webb said. The daughter of Stephanie and J.D. Webb, she had the opportunity to see Cirque du Soleil’s production, “Allegria,” live in Biloxi, Miss. Cirque du Soleil, or “Circus of the Sun,” had its humble beginnings 16 years ago, performing with a handful of troupers appearing at various summer festivals. The massive “Dralion” production, now in Atlanta, involves 54 performers and 100 backstage production workers, all on a three-year tour. This is but one of seven shows running simultaneously. Cirque du Soleil aims at bringing together ancient Chinese circus techniques, music and dance, together with Western technology, in a global community brought together with the language of the circus. The event at J.B. Martin opened with a performance by the Chinese contortionist and included a giant dragon/lion puppet, flying effects for dancers, a clown and music. The event also gave Cox Cable an opportunity to show off its high-speed cable capabilities, including streaming video. Cirque du Soleil had the opportunity to connect with a host of students across the country in an electronic field trip. “This is quite an honor for J.B. Martin,” Superintendent Rodney Lafon commented in opening remarks. He also thanked Cox and Bravo for their selection of the school as the local site for the nationwide event. And, while the students were to come away with a greater appreciation for the arts, they did get a laugh when the young girl at one point in the question-and-answer session, casually leaned to one side and scratched her behind. Nevertheless, most came away with a new realization of what dreams can accomplish, coupled with hard work and commitment. “It gives me something to think about,” Webb said.