A Look Behind the Costumes of Drawn to Life by Cirque du Soleil
During Walt Disney World’s 50th-anniversary media event, I spoke with Heather Reilly, company manager for Drawn to Life by Cirque du Soleil. She shared how the show’s costumes and props support the emotional journey of Julie, a young girl inspired by her late father’s unfinished animation.
A Story Told Through Fabric and Motion
Drawn to Life is the first collaboration between Cirque du Soleil, Walt Disney Animation Studios, and Walt Disney Imagineering. The story follows Julie as she discovers the magic of animation through a live acrobatic performance filled with emotional depth and visual spectacle. The show premieres November 18, 2021, at Disney Springs.
Cirque du Soleil Costumes as Storytelling Tools
According to Heather Reilly, every costume was designed to support the dual goals of Cirque’s physical performance and Disney’s character-driven storytelling. Fabric choices, silhouettes, and even stitching were carefully considered to ensure performers could move freely while embodying the heart of Disney animation.
Props That Reflect the Magic of Animation
Props in Drawn to Life aren’t just background details. Many were created to resemble animation tools like pencils, ink wells, and flipbooks. These items evolve with Julie’s journey, marking key emotional beats and helping to transition between scenes inspired by decades of Disney artistry visually.
Drawn to Life Begins November 18
With costumes rooted in legacy and innovation, Drawn to Life brings Disney animation to life in a brand-new way. The 50th-anniversary celebration at Walt Disney World is the perfect setting for this one-of-a-kind production. Tickets are now available at cirquedusoleil.com/drawntolife.
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