Tribute to André Simard
It is with deep sadness that we learned of the passing of André Simard, a visionary artist, creator, and educator whose lasting influence continues to resonate throughout the contemporary circus community.
A former coach of the Canadian gymnastics team, he distinguished himself from the late 1980s at Cirque du Soleil, where he revolutionized aerial work by integrating unprecedented acrobatic rigor and artistic depth. In 1989, he invented the elastic personal lanyard, a major innovation that transformed the safety and training practices of aerial artists worldwide.
André Simard was also the designer of the aerial acrobatics for the Bateau act in Cirque du Soleil’s “O” show. A pioneer of aerial disciplines within the company, he combined the aerial cradle and parallel bars for the first time, giving birth to a poetic and powerful suspended scene. This iconic act remains one of the show’s most memorable moments.
Watch the video of the Bateau act
He also made a decisive contribution to the development of the National Circus School of Montreal, where he trained several generations of artists. In 1995, he founded the studio Les gens d’R, a creative and training space that fostered the emergence of a new acrobatic aesthetic.
Recognized for his exceptional contribution to circus arts, he was appointed a Member of the Order of Canada, an honor that testifies to the impact of his work on the national and international artistic scene.
En Piste salutes his memory, his audacity, and his legacy, and extends its sincere condolences to his family, loved ones, and all those he deeply impacted.