On Sunday I went to the "Cirque du Soleil" with Isabel my friend (and caretaker), to thank her for all she had done for me.
It was really something I had never seen before, instead of seeing animals in the circus we saw people, and that was much better. Animals belong into the nature and people can have their circus wherever they want, at least they don't have to sit in a small cage.
The story of this Circus is amazing. At the dawn of the 1980’s, a troupe of performers founded by Gilles Ste-Croix took their talent to the streets of Baie-Saint-Paul, a charming village near Quebec City. Known to the public as Les Échassiers de Baie-Saint-Paul (The Stiltwalkers of Baie-Saint-Paul), this group would form the core of what would grow into Cirque du Soleil. This crew had an eclectic show, highlighting jugglers, dancers, fire breathers, and musicians who pleased local fans with their act. Little did these early fans and performers know that these embryonic beginnings would lead to something magical, exciting, and revolutionary on a global scale.
After years of honing their craft, Guy Laliberté, a member of Les Échassiers, decided that the show they had developed was ready to delight fans outside of their home town.
In 1984, to mark the 450th anniversary of the discovery of Canada by Jacque Cartier, Laliberté decided to take the show on a province-wide tour, giving people a glimpse of the future of the circus arts while reflecting on the history of their storied nation.
This traveling show offered a unique take on the circus arts: Animal free, striking, dramatic, beautiful, and reflective. A fitting name; As Cirque du Soleil’s sun rose for the first time, a new dawn broke in the world of circus arts.
Cirque du Soleil made waves in the international scene for the first time in 1987 upon their first tour of the US. After sell out shows in San Diego and Santa Monica, the Cirque du Soleil’s went on its first overseas tour of Europe in 1990.
1993’s Mystere became the first permanent Cirque du Soleil show. Performed in a theatre custom built to accommodate the complexities of the show, Mystere lit up the Las Vegas strip and became a required stop on any Vegas trip.
Mystere still fills its theatre after two decades of residency in Las Vegas, dazzling generations with its artistry and beauty. Cirque du Soleil was here to stay, and in the following years expanded to conquer Asia, Europe, and South America with a series of new shows that tour the world, filling large arenas with modern circus fans. What a stunning career ! Meanwhile The Cique du Soleil is known worldwide, has about 4000 employees, and as it is impossible to describe what I have seen, I add the two video so that you have a glimps of what I have seen...
Thank you for the history lesson. I didn't know much of the history. I'm so glad you had such a great time.
ReplyDeleteHave a fabulous day and week, Gattina. ♥
I've never been to a show yet. They were in Malta a couple of years ago but we didn't go for some reason or another. The shows are truly remarkable and fascinating.
ReplyDeleteWe loved them when they came to our city...they performed with our very own Battle Creek Symphony, the oldest orchestra in Michigan! 125 years this year!
ReplyDeleteOh thank you for the history and for the videos. Years ago I saw a special about the Cirque du Soleil but have never been able to see it in person. I would love to. I'm glad you were able to go! Thanks for sharing. (And I agree with you about animals not belonging in a circus show! I'm glad we know better now than we used ot. )
ReplyDeleteThey do some amazing stuff.
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