The test of time does not seem to affect Quebecois Magalie Drolet, the oldest of the troupe's artists Secret, in Las Vegas.
• Also read: Cirque du Soleil celebrates 30 years in Las Vegas
At 50, she has been with Cirque du Soleil since its premiere in 1993 and still gives ten performances a week.
“I love what I do and I don’t plan on leaving,” she says. Originally from Drummondville, Magalie Drolet performed bungee jumping at various fairs in Quebec in her early years. 1990. When she learned that Cirque du Soleil was auditioning for Discipline for a new show, she tried her luck.
At just 20 years old, she was accepted into the Mystère team. Back in June 1993 he was invited to come to Montreal and take part in the creation of the show. And in December she headed to Las Vegas. “I've never been there and didn't speak a word of English! she said laughing. I never thought it would be a show that would last this long and that I would be there from the beginning.”
Magalie Drolet in 1993. Photo provided by Cirque du Soleil
You take care
When asked what explains her longevity, Magalie Drolet spontaneously answers: “I am a superwoman! [Rires.]»
She adds that her bungee jumping puts less strain on the body than other disciplines on the show, such as the diving board. “You also have to take care of yourself, sleep well and continue to exercise,” she says.
In the summer of 1996, Magalie left the Mystère team to tour Quidam in North America. She stayed there for two and a half years and returned to Las Vegas in 1999. She hasn't stopped since then.
Magalie Drolet in her stage costume for “Mystère” in 1993. Photo provided by Cirque du Soleil
Think about a plan B
As a mother of two daughters, ages 19 and 16, the acrobat enjoys her life in Nevada. “I have lived in the same house in southwest Las Vegas for almost 18 years. I miss my family in Quebec, but I'm not sure I want to go back and live there. I've gotten used to being here. I really like the climate.”
Since her debut with Mystère, Magalie has signed one-year contracts with Cirque. Even though she wants to be part of the show for a long time, “as long as my body allows it,” the acrobat has started to think about her post-career.
“About eight years ago I received my personal trainer certification. If anyone ever tells me I'm too old, I have a plan B.
“Mystère” bungee act in which Magalie Drolet has participated for 30 years. Photo provided by Cirque du Soleil.