David Pereira (La Clique)
David Pereira in La Clique. Photo: Craig Sugden
In a world where circus & theatre often converge, David Pereira stands as a distinctive force. A contortionist & aerial acrobatic artist, Pereira has cultivated a career that marries athletic prowess with artistic expression, creating performances that resonate deeply with audiences. His journey, marked by a strong foundation in ballet & a passion for continuous self-improvement, reflects a unique approach to circus arts that emphasises not just physical skill, but also emotional depth.
From Ballet to Circus: A Journey of Transformation
David Pereira’s path to becoming an aerial & contortion artist was anything but conventional. As a child, Pereira was drawn to dance, though his initial ambitions leaned more toward hip-hop than the traditional discipline of ballet. However, it was ballet that unexpectedly shaped his future. “Ballet was absolutely the best base I could have ever dreamed of,” he said in this interview with Pario. Despite his reluctance at the time, Pereira acknowledged that the rigorous training in flexibility, coordination, & musicality laid the groundwork for his later success in the circus arts.
Transitioning from ballet to circus wasn’t immediate. Pereira experimented with acrobatic sports, which introduced him to the world of hand balancing & flexibility work. It wasn’t until he encountered the world of Cirque du Soleil on television that he realised his calling. As he recalled, “I saw Cirque du Soleil on TV & I was like, ‘Oh, this is what I do,’ but they are doing it with ropes & props?” This revelation opened his eyes to the possibility of pursuing circus as a career.
The Evolution of an Artist: Blending Disciplines for Growth
For Pereira, being an artist is synonymous with growth. His training is not confined to one discipline but spans clowning, acting, dancing, & contortion. This eclectic mix reflects his ambition to continually evolve & refine his craft. “I’m an ambitious artist & I have a lot of dreams,” he said, underscoring his dedication to staying versatile & prepared for any challenge that may arise in his career.
David Pereira. Photo: Osman Balkan
Pereira’s approach to art has also been deeply influenced by personal growth. He shared that therapy has been pivotal in his development as an artist. “Being in a good place has really helped me... working on myself personally has really helped me to become a better artist,” he noted. Contrary to the stereotype that suffering is essential for creating art, Pereira believes that a healthy, balanced life enhances artistic expression.
This philosophy is a testament to his belief that an artist must grow every day, not just in skill, but also in emotional & psychological resilience.
Crafting Connection: The Importance of Truth in Performance
One of the defining aspects of Pereira’s work is his commitment to integrating theatre into his acrobatic performances. For him, the fusion of these forms is not just about technical execution but about conveying truth to the audience. “When one acts, it’s not about faking, it’s about finding truth,” he explained. This pursuit of authenticity is what drives Pereira to continuously hone his craft, ensuring that each performance is not only physically impressive but also emotionally resonant. This commitment to truth in performance is intertwined with his ongoing journey of self-discovery. Pereira believes that understanding oneself is crucial to portraying characters truthfully on stage. “You cannot go to the truth of a character without knowing your own truth,” he asserted. This philosophy is at the core of his artistic practice, influencing not only how he performs but also how he approaches the creative process.
As Pereira prepares to grace the stage of the Sydney Opera House with La Clique, he remains focused on bringing his best to the audience. His excitement is palpable, not just for the opportunity to perform in such an iconic venue, but for the chance to collaborate with other world-renowned performers.
“In many ways, the Sydney Opera House is probably the most iconic venue in the world,” David said excitedly. “I was waiting for this manifestation to happen. It was a huge dream of mine.”
Reflecting on the upcoming season, David expressed a readiness & enthusiasm that suggests his work will continue to push the boundaries of what circus & theatre can achieve together.
Follow David’s creative journey on social media at: @davidpereiraaaaa
La Clique, Sydney Opera House, October 10 - November 17
Tickets & Info: www.sydneyoperahouse.com
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