WATCH: Spring is out and so are the insects

Aruna Bataa always dreamed of being a contortionist.

It came as no shock to her family, as performing is in her blood.

And while it’s hard to believe when she gracefully bends and twists her body or holds herself up with a few fingers, Bataa wasn’t always this flexible.

When she started training at the age of seven, her father, who worked in the circus, questioned the career path.

“[He said] maybe contortion isn’t your gift. But I was like no, I really want to become a contortionist,” she told Kelowna10 with a laugh.

Her hard worked paid off, as by the age of nine, she was already performing in traditional circuses.

Fast forward to 2009 when Bataa joined Cirque du Soleil. She came on board with “OVO” in 2013 and will play the role of White Spider when the show comes to Prospera Place from June 9 to 12.

“OVO” centres around a day in the life of insects. Fifty-two acrobatic and ariel artists will bring spiders, crickets, ladybugs, and dragonflies to life on stage through dynamic, immersive performances.

“You’ll definitely enjoy this moment with us in the ecosystem,” senior publicist Janie Mallet said.

The show stands out from other Cirque du Soleil productions as it leans entirely into the insect theme. The stage is crawling with bugs, as opposed to humans or clown characters. Giant flowers and other décor work to immerse audiences in the spectacle. Magnificent costuming and original soundtracks round out the performance, Mallet added.

“It’s a show that is the signature of Cirque du Solei but a different theme for OVO,” she said.

A team of 100 travels with the show and has representation across 25 different nationalities, showcasing the talents of the “cream of the crop” from, quite literally, around the world.

Mallet said she and the team are back on the road with a renewed appreciation for the craft after two years of dark theatres and arenas. Audiences sitting side-by-side, sharing in the experience, hearing the artists on stage, gasping, and applauding together, fuel the entire “OVO” team, she said.

“It’s extremely special. We don’t take it for granted,” she said. “And after the past two years, with such an uplifting and feel-good show, it is definitely what people need.”

Tickets can be bought online.