Still Winning Hearts
June 30, 2008As the 2008 Olympics approach, we’re not only taking a look ahead toward the games, but back at some past Olympians and life today.
Ludivine Furnon, a native of France, had a natural talent for the sport of gymnastics from a young age. Her career began at age twelve and then she began serious training before joining the national team at age thirteen. The training soon paid off when Furnon became the first French female gymnast ever to win a medal at the World Championships. There, she not won a medal, but won the hearts of fans with her passion and captivating gymnastics. She is now using her poise, strength, and talent to grace the stage of Cirque du Soleil’s Mystere in Las Vegas, sharing with audiences her amazing gift of performance.
Inside Gymnastics caught up with Furnon recently to chat about her career and her involvement with Cirque.
INSIDE: You were always such a passionate gymnast when you were on the competition floor, exuding exuded excitement and passion, talk a little about where all that came from?
FURNON: My passion [is] on the floor. I wanted to give my best to the public to make them feel my passion. I forgot everything [else that was] around [me] and I’m in my world and this is me.
INSIDE: When you look back and think about it, what are your thoughts on your competitive career?
FURNON: My career of gymnastics, it’s my past. I used this experience to transfer to Cirque, but I cannot compare my career with gymnastics and here. I just use my experience to play here, to work, to be serious.
INSIDE: What feeling do you get when you’re doing these amazing tricks in this incredible atmosphere? Is it kind of like being a kid again?
FURNON: Yes, when I am close to the public and to see the children’s [faces], it’s very rewarding. To see the people dreaming [is] pretty amazing. When I take a risk to do a trick, like doing a double back and I land on someone’s shoulders and I hit a pose, it’s a magical moment.
INSIDE: After you started gymnastics, you went to a very high level in a very short period of time. You learned so quickly and you got to the world level, is training here just as easy?
FURNON: No, it’s not the same. I began gymnastics when I was twelve years old and shortly after, I’m at the World Championships. [It was] my passion, my life, my destiny. Here, I have to learn [all over] again because it’s different. This is a team, it is not one person, [it is] ten. It’s [an] amazing change and interesting for me. I just want to learn more and more for myself and for my experience!
INSIDE: What about the change of field from getting judged to just performing. What is it like to transition like that?
FURNON: I don’t think about that anymore. Yes, it’s less pressure. Gymnastics is very passionate, but at the same time, I had [a lot of] pressure on my shoulders. [There comes a] point where you just cannot continue. You just want to stop and do a lot of [other] things. Here I perform every night [for the audience’s entertainment].
INSIDE: We just saw your double layout and it’s still as pretty today as all of your tumbling was back in your competitive days. Where does that come from? How are you able to maintain such a high level of skills?
FURNON: It’s just a skill. I will never loose that. [This could change] when I [am] 70 years old, of course! I think as long as my physical shape is good, I can do it.
INSIDE: When you think back about when you first were auditioning for Cirque, what do you think about?
FURNON: To be honest, a lot of things. The first time I [came] here, I was completely lost and I just made time to find myself in this world and I took my time and my passion, to find myself. Now I’m here and I’m happy!
INSIDE: How many years do you envision yourself being with Cirque du Soleil and would you ever consider yourself going to another show?
FURNON: I signed until next January of 2009. After that, I would like to change shows. I do not know [if I will stay] here in Vegas [or change to an international location]. I [will] think about it [when that time approaches].
INSIDE: What does your life consist of outside of Cirque du Soleil and what your life is like today?
FURNON: My life outside of Cirque du Soleil is different, but that’s because it’s a very different country. I go to the movie tavern a lot, I [talk] with my friend[s], I watch movie[s], I go to the mountain[s], and I travel in the U.S. [Most importantly], I take care of myself.
INSIDE: Las Vegas is known for the famous night clubs and dance clubs, do you ever go out?
FURNON: I just go out on occasion, but I [do not] go out [often] because I know I have to perform and if I go out it is not possible to perform, but I sometimes like to go out and dance.
INSIDE: Part of being a performer is putting on a show for a crowd that is coming to see you. Is it exciting to think about how many peoples lives you affect by your performance?
FURNON: Yes, it’s terrific. Especially when we are close to them and we can see the smiles shine and to see the passion of the eyes of the people. I just love it. [At any performance, there could be] 2,000 people watching you and just dream about what you do….I don’t know how to say it, but [Cirque is now so much of who I am]. It’s not always easy, but I work on myself and everyday I still learn a lot. 
Photographs by Don Johnson, Al Seib/Cirque du Soleil, and Cirque du Soleil.
