My friend's relative is in La Reve, which I guess is like Cirque - I don't know the difference . She was a top gymnast at a top-20ish D1 university, and after she graduated her coach knew the person recruiting for the show and recommended her. She still has to audition , and I remember that she had been away from gymnastics for about a year when she got the opportunity so she has to do some crazy training . But I guess it all worked out !