When Hjordis Lee steps onto the ice as the star of Cirque du Soleil鈥檚 Crystal, it will be a homecoming of sorts. The New Westminster-born skater, who trained as a child in Coquitlam, returns to perform in British Columbia 鈥� a full-circle moment in her career.
Lee started as a competitive skater in singles, pairs and ice dance, later training in ballet, contemporary dance, jazz and musical theatre. Her professional career took her around the world. But in 2019, she landed her dream role 鈥� playing Crystal in Cirque du Soleil鈥檚 first-ever ice show.
"It was honestly a dream come true," Lee said in an email exchange with Monday Magazine. "It felt like I had won the lottery. So naturally the first thing I did when I got the news to come join the company, was to phone my parents and tell them I was running away to join the circus."
Crystal, which makes three B.C. stops this spring follows a young woman who feels out of place in her world. After falling through the ice, she enters a surreal, upside-down world where she meets a bolder version of herself. Through gravity-defying aerialists, extreme skaters and mesmerizing dancers, she learns to embrace her creativity and strength.
The production is massive, with 100+ cast and crew from 25 countries, 18 transport trailers and a set requiring two full days to install. The show 鈥� the only Cirque performance on ice 鈥� blends skating, acrobatics and advanced projections, creating a breathtaking spectacle.
One of the most exciting moments is the hockey number, where skaters launch off ramps, spinning through the air in a high-energy display of athleticism. "The hockey number is so powerful and full of energy. It鈥檚 super exciting! The combination of speed, tricks and the crowd鈥檚 reaction makes it one of the best moments in the show."
It's not without risk, Lee says, with performers putting in long days filled with preparation, training, make-up, meals and the performance itself. "Depending on the day, we are usually at the 'office' for 10 to 12 hours."
The show's message is one of acceptance, Lee says. "I hope the audience goes on a roller coaster of emotions: Laughter, excitement, love, happiness and much more. But most of all, empathy: I feel the audience can really relate to the character Crystal, and that everyone has experienced at one point in their life what she is feeling. As a result, you truly get attached to Crystal and her journey."
Like ice, which eventually melts, even Crystal's days are numbered. The show is slated for its grand finale later this year.
"I hope the audience can walk away with a very memorable moment that touched their heart and soul and possibly inspire them on their journey."
Cirque du Soleil鈥檚 Crystal performances in B.C. include May 8 to 18 in Victoria, May 22 to 25 in 麻豆精选 and June 4 to 8 in Vancouver.
