#39 - Cherie Walker - Inside Cirque du Soleil: Secrets of Coaching the World’s Wildest Athletes

from Abnormal · host Pete Laverick

In this episode of Abnormal, I interview Cherie Walker, head coach of Cirque du Soleil, who shares insights into the unique challenges and rewards of coaching elite performers. We discuss the rigorous training processes, the importance of character development, and the cultural dynamics within a diverse team of artists. Chapters00:00 The Art of Performance Selection02:54 Training the Unseen Skills06:06 Behind the Curtain: Coaching Dynamics08:52 The Role of Trust in Performance12:02 Cultural Dynamics in a Diverse Team15:12 Building Trust and Communication18:01 Navigating Challenges with Elite Athletes20:51 Influence Beyond the Stage25:24 The Social Side of Performance29:11 Pushing Boundaries in Performance30:08 Understanding Risk in Performance Acts31:11 Stability vs. Risk in Shows32:29 The Journey of Skill Acquisition35:03 The Importance of Early Training36:22 The Collective Effort of Performance37:04 Maintaining Group Culture38:20 The Rewards of Coaching39:36 Life on the Road41:27 Longevity in Performance Careers44:40 Advice for Pursuing Abnormal Goals

Episode metadata supplied by the publisher feed · Published Jul 6, 2025

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#39 - Cherie Walker - Inside Cirque du Soleil: Secrets of Coaching the World’s Wildest Athletes

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