Marie-Élaine Mongeau
Bareback Riding, La Vida, Pieds Percussion, Trick Riding, Bungees cavaliers

Marie-Elaine began gymnastics during childhood. “As a hyperactive child, I knew early on I would have to do something that allowed me to burn off all this energy!” Originally from Montreal, she attended the Verdun Circus School for nine years, which prepared her for Montreal’s Ecole Nationale de Cirque, where she graduated in 2003. Marie-Elaine was part of the German production “Gauklersonate” before joining Cavalia in 2005. In the beginning, she performed, among other things, her specialty, “hand-to-hand”. Perfectly balanced in the outstretched hands of her partner, Marie-Elaine is completely immobile, like a statue, as carefree colts cavort around them.

Over the years, her role within the show has evolved. She is now part of several aerial performances, including the poetic and moving number “Bungee Cavaliers”. She also participates in the introduction and training of new two- and four-legged artists to the show. “I must be sure the horse is comfortable with my presence around and above him, keeping my movements soft and graceful. Horses are alert and sensitive to their environment. I adapt to them, so they feel at ease. It’s a wonderful challenge for me since I had never worked so closely with horses before.”