Ernesto Lea Place takes wing in Cirque du Soleil’s bug-eyed ‘OVO’

September 3, 2025
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Montrose Star
Posted in CELEBRITY FEATURE
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Classically-trained dancer and circus performer brings athletic thrills and riveting grace to his aerial arts

Today’s circus aerialists are still flying with the greatest of ease, but they’re doing so in breathtakingly advanced ways set in sophisticated venues outfitted with state-of-the-art mechanics and dazzling theatrics. Each performer is rigorously trained in gymnastics, acrobatics, ballet, or dance performance.

That’s Cirque du Soleil’s OVO to a T — vibrant, unexpected, and full of energy. And right in the middle of it all is aerial performer.

Having joined the “OVO” cast in 2024, the Argentina-born Ernesto is an aerial straps artist who performs with his longtime stage partner Caitlin Quinn. Together they co-founded Pas de Deux Straps, an aerial performance duo. Cast as Night Butterflies in Cirque du Soleil OVO is an imaginative exploration of the insect world; the pair athletically flutters through mesmerizing feats as key players within the show’s elaborate insect-populated ecosystem. Night butterflies, a common term for moths, play a vital part within the great pageantry of nature – a role for which the multitalented Ernesto is perfectly suited within the “OVO” ensemble.

We caught up with him before his upcoming performances in Houston, Texas, at the Toyota Center from October 2 to October 5.

Describe the performance and your role in it.
The show is romantic and aesthetic, and as butterflies, we try to consider what they look like when they are still and when they are flying to mimic that movement. The act was originally created as a mating dance, so it does have romantic energy between the partners.

And what are “straps” exactly?
The straps are quite simple. It’s like two belts where you can strap your hands, ankles, or legs, and you can create acrobatic dance movements. Due to our dance backgrounds, my partner and I have created interesting transitions from the floor to the air, or vice versa.

Cirque du Soleil enjoys a significant LGBTQ following. What’s it like being part of such an inclusive environment?
Cirque du Soleil is so open-minded, allowing everyone to be themselves. There is a strong level of freedom and comfort that comes from that.

If you’ve never been to Texas before, is there anything distinctly Texan you want to see, do, or eat?
I actually danced with Ballet San Antonio for one season and have performed in Dallas and Houston before. Everything is bigger and better in Texas, and I definitely plan on having barbecue. I’m excited to try all that Texas has to offer.

What do you want people to take away when they leave your show?
I want people to walk away feeling a bit lighter and happier, like a weight was taken off their shoulders.