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Pro BMX rider Takahiro Ikeda is set to join the world famous performance art troupe Cirque du Soleil on their latest world tour from April 2017.
Ikeda performed in the regular La Nouba show in Florida from May 2015 to January 2016 and was the first BMX artist from Asia to perform with the troupe, but this is the first time a BMX performance will be added to the company’s world tour.
As a world class athlete, Ikeda also took second place in the iBMXff (international BMX freestyle federation) BMX Flatland World Championships 2016 which took place in the UK in July. Ikeda’s contract also takes account of his activities as an athlete and it’s expected that he will continue to participate in international competitions even during the 2017 world tour.
Comment from Takahiro Ikeda
“I’m so excited to be joining the world tour as it’s one of the things I’d really wanted to do. It’s such an honour that all of my experiences and achievements are coming together with this performance. I want to dedicate myself performing alongside some of the best artists and performers from around the world so that the sport of BMX can be recognised as an art form.
“I’m also scheduled to come back to Japan during the tour and I hope to perform in various events while I’m here too. I want to put on a show that anyone can enjoy regardless of age or nationality so please come and see me while I’m here!”
Title/Show Route: to be announced
Training Period: Early January to mid-April 2017
Contract Period: April 2017 to mid-June 2018 (adjustable thereafter)
Ikeda’s Japan Dates:
2017: July 17–26, Aug. 28 to Sept. 6, Nov. 27 to Dec. 10
2018: February 5–14, March 26 to April 12
Final Return to Japan: mid-June 2018
Cirque du Soleil
Cirque du Soleil is a world famous performance art company first founded in Quebec, Canada in 1984. Shows such as Alegría, Corteo, Kooza, and Ovo, have been well received in Japan and Totem is also due to land on Japanese shores in 2016. The 2017 world tour show in which Takahiro Ikeda is set to perform is also expected to be performed in Japan in a few years.
BMX
BMX stands for Bicycle Moto X(cross) and is a small bicycle which is used for racing. There are many different divisions of BMX racing and the sport is also an Olympic category. Takahiro Ikeda races in the “Flatland” freestyle division which is an extreme sport carried out in various postures and using variety of techniques.
BMX Rider Takahiro Ikeda’s Profile
Born in Chiba on May 17, 1990. World no. 1 BMX Rider and Guinness World Recorder holder for high speed spins. As well as appearing in international competitions, Ikeda has also performed in BMX shows in over 10 countries, TV programmes and commercials, and modelled too. Ikeda is an artist and athlete who continues to take on challenges throughout the world.
2010 - Red Bull Flamenco Flatland (winner)
2011 - King of Ground (winner)
2014 - BFWC World Ranking (third)
2015 - Held the fourth division Guinness World Record for BMX spins
2016 - Performed in Cirque du Soleil’s La Nouba
2016 - iBMXff World Championships (second place)
Source: @Press
