Dance, circus collaboration takes flight in ‘Prelude to Toō’

Inside the vacant Rhodes Theatre, a lithe aerialist is learning dance steps while an agile ballet dancer is practicing a trapeze routine. Unfazed by the lack of air conditioning and a few slip-ups, they are intent on exploring how dance and acrobatics intersect.

Meaghan Muller, a former Cirque du Soleil aerialist, and John Welker of Atlanta Ballet are preparing “Prelude to Toō,” a contemporary circus that runs May 29-30 at the former Midtown cinema.

“Contemporary circus is about merging art forms so the audience can experience a new definition of what movement arts can be,” said Muller, who founded Backside of the Tent, the producing organization behind this venture.

As seen in other cities, the contemporary circus is more intimate than big-top shows like the Cirque. Artists appear as ordinary people with extraordinary talents, interacting with audiences at a more personal level. Performers tend to be more multifaceted, building bridges between genres and taking more risks on stage.

Welker will perform the first trapeze act he’s done in his 20-year career with Atlanta Ballet. Company ballet mistress Sarah Hillmer has choreographed dances for Welker and Muller, who’ll also perform on the trapeze, artistic pole and cerceaux (a 3-foot-wide hoop suspended in the air).

These acts will weave into a dialogue between physical theater actor Elena Day, formerly of the Cirque, and improvisational actor Whittney Millsap of Dad’s Garage Theatre. They’ll reflect on the Rhodes Theatre’s history as a popular movie house and come to terms with its emerging role as a live performance venue.

The first, hourlong installment will invite audiences to participate in performers’ creative process. The culminating show, Aug. 13-15, will feature additional dancers from Atlanta Ballet’s Wabi Sabi troupe. A few former Cirque artists will expand the array of circus acts.