Varekai

Everyone at some point has dreamed they could fly. The Atherton twins make it a reality in Varekai, a recent addition to the Cirque du Soleil series. After seeing a friend perform a similar flying act solo for Cirque’s Alegria, Andrew and his brother Kevin decided they wanted to pitch something never done before: a double flying act. Dubbed the “aerial strap” act, the former British gymnasts attach themselves to each other, soaring over the audience for the first part and performing body-twisting aerobatics for the second half of their act. “We have never once dropped each other, even during practice,” said Andrew Atherton. “We have been very close to having an accident but nothing major has happened.” According to Kevin, the brothers joined Cirque in April 2000, but Varekai is the first time the two have performed together. It’s further solidified their close relationship; says Kevin, “this experience makes me want to perform with my brother as long as I possibly can.” See the soaring Athertons and other gravity-defying acts throughout May. Grand Chapiteau, Marymoor Park, 6046 W. Lake Sammamish Pkwy. N.E., Redmond, 206-296-2966 or 800-678-5440, www.cirquedusoleil.com. $49-$129.50. Opens Thurs. May 4. 8 p.m. Tues.-Thurs., 4 & 8 p.m. Fri.-Sat., 1 & 5 p.m. Sun. Ends Sun. June 4. KELLIE HWANG

Mark Morris Dance Group

The company is celebrating its 25th anniversary, and Morris, far past the wunderkind, bad-boy stage of his career, has settled into a rich vein of wonderful dancemaking. This program reaches back to their early days with Gloria (1984) as well as showcasing current works like Cargo. But there’s still enough of the devil in Morris to peek out from behind the curtain during a recent performance to interrupt the presenter’s pre-show remarks and ask, “Can we start dancing now?” The answer is always, resoundingly, yes. Meany Theater, UW campus, 206-543-4880, www.meany.org. $45. 8 p.m. Thurs. May 4-Sat. May 6. SANDRA KURTZ