Hallmark Channel Takes Love to New Heights in 'Romance With a Twist'

If you've ever been to a Cirque du Soleil show, then you've seen the beauty and grace of the aerial performers as they seemingly fly across the stage on ropes or silks. While they make it look easy, it takes a lot of training and strength to perform those stunts. In Hallmark Channel's latest movie, Romance with a Twist, viewers will get to see some aerial work and to add to the authenticity, one of the actors was a former Cirque du Soleil performer!

Here's everything we know about Romance with a Twist including a Parade exclusive sneak peek.

What is Romance with a Twist about?

Luna (Jocelyn Hudon) is a former dancer who left that dream behind for a grounded life managing her family’s construction business. She steps into a life changing opportunity when she takes a job turning a gymnasium into a studio for aerial gymnastics. As she finishes up the job, she can’t resist giving the silks a try, just to see if she’s still got it. She’s transported back to her days on stage for just a moment before Bennett (Olivier Renaud), a professional aerialist, interrupts her…and he’s rather annoyed to find his contractor messing around on the silks.

The studio is now ready for rehearsals for the local Hazelton Arts Festival where Bennett will perform an aerial duet in a show stopping finale. The only problem is his partner has bailed at the last minute and he can’t do it alone. With the festival just a few short weeks away, Bennett agrees to partner up with Luna, who is eager to prove herself and get back on stage. Soon enough she faces the challenge of a lifetime as they rehearse for the show. As the hard work of this dynamic sport teaches them both to face their fears and brings them closer together, will their relationship crash or will they find a way to reach new heights?

Meet the cast of Romance with a Twist

Jocelyn Hudon (Luna)

Hallmark Channel fans are familiar with Jocelyn Hudon, who has starred in When Hope Calls, Love in the Maldives, and From Friend to Fiance, but did you know she also trained at the National Ballet School of Canada? She can next be seen in starring alongside Val Kilmer and Chace Crawford in the movie, Riptide.

Related: When Hope Calls Star Jocelyn Hudon's Secret Celebrity Crush Makes Us Swoon Too

Olivier Renaud (Bennett)

Back in the early 2000s, if you had looked up from your seat at Cirque du Soleil, there’s a very good chance you were watching the stunning aerial acrobatics of Olivier Renaud. Before landing on the ground to take up acting, Renaud learned clowning in Paris under French master Philippe Gaulier and toured with Cirque du Soleil’s show, Saltimbanco, and performed in the resident Las Vegas show, The Beatles LOVE by Cirque du Soleil. Using the skills he learned at École Philippe Gaulier and as a performer, Renaud also leads corporate workshops in conflict management.

Olivier Renaud most recently starred in Planes, Trains, and Christmas Trees on Lifetime.

Related: Two Strangers Band Together To Make It Home By Christmas Eve in Planes, Trains, and Christmas Trees

Did the actors perform their own stunts in Romance with a Twist?

As Hudon is a dancer and Renaud already an aerial performer, both actors performed most of their own stunt work for the film.

When does Romance with a Twist premiere?

Romance with a Twist premieres on Saturday. Jan. 27 at 8 p.m. ET on Hallmark Channel.

When can I watch Romance with a Twist again?

Sunday, Jan. 28 at 5 p.m. ET
Thursday, Feb. 1 at 8 p.m. ET
Saturday. Feb. 10 at 2 p.m. ET
Wednesday, Feb. 28 at 4 p.m. ET

Does Parade have a sneak peek of Romance with a Twist?

We do! Check out this Parade exclusive sneak peek of Romance with a Twist below.

Check out images from Romance with a Twist

Take a look at these select images from Romance with a Twist starring Jocelyn Hudon and Olivier Renaud in the gallery below.

View the 14 images of this gallery on the original article

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