Heels Overhead

Gymnasts zipped up 20 feet of rope in seconds. Acrobats stood on their hands. Cheerleaders stood on each other.

And nearly everyone smiled and said their names for the camera.

This was not your typical casting call. Then again, Cirque du Soleil is not your typical circus.

“Sometimes, you know you’re meant for the circus,” said Jesse Villa, 16, a gymnast from Lake Elsinore with dreams of landing a spot in the famed French-Canadian troupe. “I’d probably do it for free.”

About 60 athletes from as far away as Atlanta auditioned Monday at the Orange County Tumbling Academy and more are expected at a tryout today in Van Nuys. A lucky few may get called back for spots in five productions planned internationally through 2000. One is running now in Santa Monica.

Only four of those competing Monday were from Orange County, but more are expected at a tryout after the New Year.

Rudy Markham, 24, of Mission Viejo won applause from even his rivals with a floor routine that included triple flips and handstands holding his body parallel to the floor.

“He’s the bomb,” Villa said of Markham, using youthful slang that denotes the highest of compliments.

Though considered by his peers to be the best in the gym, Markham is living out another dream and is uncertain whether he would embark on a gig with Cirque du Soleil. He recently became part owner in the Orange County Tumbling Academy and also coaches there.

“I think it would be really fun, it’s just the timing,” said Markham, obviously torn.

Others were less hesitant about running off and joining the circus.

“It’s cool just to be here,” said cheerleader Matt Kinnee of Mission Viejo, who turned 18 on Monday. “Today’s been fun. I don’t know what to expect or what’s next.”

There is a slight chance that the contenders will fill in as emergency replacements for injured or ill performers in the latest circus production, “Quidam,” when it plays the Orange County Fairgrounds Jan. 29 to March 30. After the upcoming performance, Cirque de Soleil is not scheduled to return to Orange County until the turn of the century.

“We have seen some talent today,” said Nicolette Naum, audition coordinator.

Naum said she held auditions in Orange County this year because of its many competitive gymnasts and strong training programs.

“We know there’s a pool of people, acrobats, that have the kind of talents we are looking for,” she said.

Back flips, cartwheels and handstands are hardly enough to make it into the circus that depends entirely on people, not animals, to entertain worldwide audiences.

“The people have to be open to jump into dance and into theater,” Naum said.

Those who qualify generally spend nine months at the Cirque academy in Montreal to learn routines, build strength and prepare for performing stints that typically last three to six years, sans serious injuries. Cirque du Soleil representatives said they did not know how much performers are paid.

The “Quidam” cast, which ranges in age from about 12 to 40, hails from North America, Europe and Asia. Many performers see the world while others are stationed at an ongoing show in Las Vegas. New year-round tents also are planned for Berlin and Orlando.

By the end of the day, Villa and Markham had made the cut for the next step, an interview.

“I pulled it off,” Villa said. “Hopefully, I am what they are looking for.”