======================================================================= ______ _ __ _ __ / ____/___ ___________(_)___ ____ _/ /_(_)___ ____ / / / /_ / __ `/ ___/ ___/ / __ \/ __ `/ __/ / __ \/ __ \/ / / __/ / /_/ (__ ) /__ / / / / /_/ / /_/ / /_/ / / / /_/ /_/ \__,_/____/\___/_/_/ /_/\__,_/\__/_/\____/_/ /_(_) T h e U n o f f i c i a l C i r q u e d u S o l e i l N e w s l e t t e r ------------------------------------------------------------ http://www.CirqueFascination.com ------------------------------------------------------------ ======================================================================= VOLUME 14, NUMBER 6 June 2014 ISSUE #125 ======================================================================= Welcome to the latest edition of Fascination, the Unofficial Cirque du Soleil Newsletter. One Hundred and Twenty-Five. Isn't that something? The last time I eluded to how far we've come I shared with you a few thoughts of a personal nature, contemplating as I was on shutting down Fascination. The reasons I gave were simple: my interest in Cirque du Soleil had greatly evolved from our early - and somewhat heady - days, and that the newsletter, although a great service, and loved, was becoming more and more a labor. But then, just when I thought there was little left to say about Cirque, that Fascination had indeed run its course, and I could feel comfortable ending its legacy, everything changed. The global outlook changed. Cirque changed. I changed. I found myself enthused about Cirque in ways I hadn't felt in years. But what to do about it? The thought experiment reminded me of a conceptual quote from Alegría I shared at the time that in just thirteen words, perflectly reflected the turmoil within - « Once everything has been said and done, who says you can't start over? » It gave me the impetus with which to continue forward. Over the last two and a half years I think we've accomplished that goal. Fascination has in many ways started over. We re-doubled our efforts to be the best Cirque news source we could be, renewing our spirit and our vigor for everything Cirque du Soleil along the way. And we've explored Cirque's creations (past and present) in ways we never had before. Mission Accomplished. So now what? Back then I suggested keeping a weather eye out for June 2014... that although I could not guarantee that Fascination would be around forever, our renewed interest would push us through to issue #125. Only then would we reassess the situation. Well, here we are... What's the verdict going to be? Ask me again when we reach Issue #150! This month Cirque du Soleil celebrates its 30th anniversary. Can you believe that? It's also quite an auspicious milestone for me personally - I'm celebrating 15 years of following the sun. That's a lot for some, not long for others, but for me that's worth commemorating. To celebrate that personal milestone (as well as Cirque's 30th) I've been working on a few projects behind the scenes here. I'm calling it "Richasi's Summer of Cirque" and on select days between June 16th and the end of August, I'll be releasing some of these projects to you. What am I talking about? First up, in celebration of Cirque du Solel's 30th anniversary, I've put together a "book" entitled « Artisans de L'Imaginaire: 30 Ans du Cirque du Soleil », which looks at the company (and its projects) from a fan's point of view. Collected here, and massaged into articles, are a combination of texts that have either been published here within the pages of Fascination or on my Cirque site - Le Grand Chapiteau, each stepping through the Cirque's major projects year over year. In deference to Cirque du Soleil's IP, it's mostly text-based, but if you ever wanted those "look back" articles we've been publishing recently and/or parts of "The Grand Chapiteau" organized more as a book, this is it! In July, two more releases join the fray: « Le Grand Tour: Une Aventure du Cirque du Soleil » and « Live to Cirque: 15 Ans Après le Soleil » (Live to Cirque: 15 Years Following the Sun). Both of these are collections that feature my personal experiences with Cirque du Soleil. The first, "Le Grand Tour", is a collection of articles that first appeared in Fascination throughout 2002, the year I embarked on a "mission" to see all then currently running Cirque shows - Varekai, Mystère, "O", Alegría, La Nouba, Journey of Man, Dralion, Quidam and, lastly, Saltimbanco - within the span of one year. The second title, "Live to Cirque", is a second edition collection of other Cirque-y based adventures, from fan gatherings (CirqueCon, Celebri and Cirquesters) to other adventures undertaken to new and exciting places because of Cirque du Soleil. Many of these articles have also been published in the pages of Fascination over the years, neatly collected here for those interested (namely me!) Then, in August, we celebrate Fascination's launch (August 31, 2001) with a three-volume collection of best-of materials - enhanced for this release. Volume One - "In Their Own Words" - consists of the 20 plus interviews Keith and I have done (mostly Keith) over the years for Fascination, collected here for your reading pleasure. Volumes Two and Three - "Behind the Curtain" and "Beyond the Bigtop" respectively - take the best of the rest (in my opinion) articles that we've published here, and re-releases them, with flair! What's that mean? It could mean some articles that originally existed over multi- issues are collected as one, it could mean some articles that were out-dated, but still have merit, have been brought up to date, or it could mean that some articles that were started but never finished (and therefore never published) have been completed - just for this collection. And who knows, there may be a few unscheduled additions between now and then, too. Of course, my personal whims aren't the only exciting developments. At the beginning of the month, Cique and Grupo Vidanta finally unveiled the name, theme and plans for JOYÀ, the intimate and immersive theatrical and culinary experience the two are developing in Riviera Maya near The Grand Mayan resort. The name JOYÀ, rooted in the Spanish “joya” meaning jewel or pearl, alludes to a person or event of great value. JOYÀ will combine culinary and performing arts in an intimate theater setting to engage the audience’s five senses. Drawing on Mexico’s history and heritage, JOYÀ tells the story of an alchemist and his granddaughter embarking on a transformative quest to uncover the secrets of life. It's an interesting concept to be sure! A group of Cirque Passionates - the Cirquesters, under the guidance of Rodolfo Elizondo - are planning on making the trek to Riviera Maya to see the show debut. Check out their Event page – http://goo.gl/guD0Ib - if you’re interested in joining them. (You’ll need to log in to Facebook to view the event.) Then, just when we thought show announcements couldn't get any weirder, Cirque du Soleil surprised us all by announcing a partnership agreement with Academy Award-winning filmmaker James Cameron to develop an arena-touring show inspired by the world of AVATAR. This "live experience", announced during the international business C2MTL– Commerce + Creativity Conference in Montreal, is slated to debut sometime late 2015, featuring the creative signature drive of Cirque du Soleil in association with Cameron’s and Jon Landau’s Lightstorm Entertainment. Although nobody knows what we're in store for, the show is expected to debut before the first of three upcoming AVATAR sequels. We'll have to wait and see the finished product to know whether or not this is a good idea, but at first blush I'd have to say no. But what do I know? In keeping with the theme this month we have: "A Baroque Odyssey: Cirque's Amazing Journey", a historia celebrating Cirque du Soleil's 30th Anniversary. For fans of Cirque, much of what this overview covers will be nothing new. In fact, much of the text came directly from Cirque du Soleil in one source or another - from "Spectaculara", "Historia" or "Aurora" sections of past Cirque Websites, from various programme book histories over the years, with a few additions by yours truly when needed. The overview is by no means comprehensive, just hitting the highlights. And why not? Turning 30, following for 15 years, or publishing 125 issues is a big deal! Something worth celebrating! As always we've got the latest news items posted to Fascination! Web and, of course, updates to Cirque's tour schedule. So, let's get started! Join us on the web at: < www.cirquefascination.com > Realy Simple Syndication (RSS) Feed (News Only): < http://www.cirquefascination.com/?feed=rss2 > - Ricky "Richasi" Russo =========== CONTENTS =========== o) Cirque Buzz -- News, Rumours & Sightings o) Itinéraire -- Tour/Show Information * BigTop Shows -- Under the Grand Chapiteau * Arena Shows -- In Stadium-like venues * Resident Shows -- Performed en Le Théâtre o) Outreach -- Updates from Cirque's Social Widgets * Club Cirque -- This Month at CirqueClub * Didyaknow? -- Facts About Cirque * Networking -- Posts on Facebook, G+, & YouTube o) Fascination! Features * "A Baroque Odyssey: Cirque's Amazing Journey" A Historia, celebrating Cirque's 30th Anniversary Edited by: Ricky Russo - Atlanta, Georgia (USA) o) Subscription Information o) Copyright & Disclaimer ======================================================================= CIRQUE BUZZ -- NEWS, RUMOURS & SIGHTINGS ======================================================================= Guy Laliberté on a mission to rejuvenate his Cirque {May.07.2014} ----------------------------------------------------- In 2009, even the sky wasn’t the limit for Guy Laliberté. He blasted into space on a Soyuz rocket after selling a fifth of the Cirque du Soleil to Dubai investors that promised him the world. But the Cirque’s midlife crisis has brought its co-founder back to earth with a critical mission: Fix the iconic yellow and blue Big Top that he built over 30 years. And it’s not a task that Mr. Laliberté, the Roi Soleil as some employees nickname him, is taking lightly. “I am a warrior,” he says in a two-hour interview at the company’s headquarters in the Montreal borough of St-Michel. The restructuring is two years in the making, but Mr. Laliberté has never publicly discussed the Cirque’s problems and his comeback plan until this week. A year ago, Mr. Laliberté discreetly reclaimed half of the 20- per-cent stake in the Cirque du Soleil he had sold to Dubai investors in 2008 after the publicized partnership turned into a mirage. But just as Istithmar World Capital and Nakheel PJSC, two affiliates from Dubai World, the country’s sovereign wealth fund, are looking into disposing their remaining 10-per-cent interest, the Cirque’s controlling shareholder is searching for another strategic partner to propel his company’s growth. “There are people knocking at the door,” Mr. Laliberté said. Mr. Laliberté is ready to sell between 20 and 30 per cent of his live entertainment group. “A decision will be made before the end of the year,” he added. The Cirque du Soleil was to lend its shows and its creative design talent to the two Dubai firms. However, when the financial crisis crushed their global real estate ambitions, the indebted Emirati investors could no longer hold their end of the deal. Expecting accelerated growth, however, the Cirque had beefed up its organization at great expense, Mr. Laliberté explained. That expansion contributed to the Cirque’s financial difficulties, which culminated with 400 layoffs in January, 2013. The Cirque that once boasted a staff of 5,000 now employs 4,000 workers, 1,700 of which are based in Montreal. The financial repercussions of the financial crisis were also felt in Las Vegas, where hotel groups gave into discounting, forcing their circus partner to follow suit, Mr. Laliberté said. The Cirque generates close to half of its $850-million in annual revenue from its eight Vegas shows. The rising Canadian dollar, which swelled production costs, also hit the bottom line, shaving off “at least $50-million in profits per year,” he added. The Cirque co-founder concedes his company is to blame. “I am not trying to shovel responsibility in my neighbours’ yards. In the end, we should have been more watchful,” Mr. Laliberté said, taking a drag on his Gauloise. As of 2008, Mr. Laliberté turned his attention to his five kids, his One Drop Foundation and his widely publicized trip into space, leaving Cirque management in the hands of a team presided by Daniel Lamarre. “I thought I had put in place a solid team that could manage the circus gang without me being there,” he said. Mr. Laliberté returned in the summer of 2012 after a concerning look at the books. The Cirque wasn’t losing any money but profits were falling precipitously. “I realized that if we didn’t commit to a serious shift in direction, we would hit a wall,” Mr. Laliberté said. Internal spending controls were slack, as the Cirque was more focused with creating new shows and driving revenue than with the profitability of projects. Moreover, there were fiefdoms within the circus where each led a number of pet projects with dubious business cases, he added. “We fell into the trap of thinking we could do all things entertainment-related. In the end, you realize that you don’t always have the internal expertise and that people can’t deliver on their promises,” the 54-year-old entrepreneur said. But what really hurt the Cirque, according to Mr. Laliberté, were its failed shows, a first in the circus’s 30-year history. Some, like the closing of the Z show in Tokyo following the 2011 tsunami, were unforeseen. Others were entirely avoidable. The high-priced Iris show, shown in a Los Angeles theatre, failed to attract thrifty tourists that whisked through the Hollywood district only to take pictures of sidewalk stars. “That failure rests squarely on a poor market study,” Mr. Laliberté said. The acclaimed Zarkana show is losing money because its production costs were underestimated. The Cirque should also be making a killing with Michael Jackson One, one of the top- grossing live shows of all times, Mr. Laliberté said, but the show is barely profitable because of its high production costs. In his office cluttered with family photos and art work, including a monumental oil painting entitled Dragon by Riopelle, the former fire breather disputes the notion that the Cirque’s recent failures are revealing of a circus company that has lost its creative edge. “Sorry, but I sell between 14 and 15 million tickets per year,” he said. “Why would I change a winning formula?” The Cirque’s falling profits were nonetheless a “wake-up call” for management. Through a detailed examination of the organization, the crisis committee led by Messrs. Laliberté and Lamarre identified $110-million worth of “inefficient spending” in the past year alone. And the Cirque owner hit what he describes as the “reset” button, restructuring the company’s organization to give it a sharper focus and a tighter financial discipline. To protect its core circus business, Mr. Laliberté expects the live entertainment company to choose its projects more carefully even if that translates into lower revenues. “It has to make business sense: Misery is not an option,” he said. Growth, however, will come from new initiatives outside of its more traditional Big Top and permanent hotel shows. “There is a limit to the number of circus shows that we can produce and to the number of hotel partners that are rich enough to build theatres for us,” Mr. Laliberté said. New initiatives will fly on their own, as independent joint ventures led both by a creative director and an entrepreneur. “At one point, I had too many intellectuals making business decisions,” Mr. Laliberté lamented. The Sandbox hospitality group will develop and operate new concepts for clubs, restaurants and hotels, for example. 45 Degrés will organize events, galas and weddings. 4U2C, a partnership between the Cirque and Solotech, will rival Montreal-based Moment Factory in the multimedia and video space. The Cirque has its own ticket office, Outbox Enterprises, with partner Jean-Françoys Brousseau. It resells vacation and show packages through Florida-based EBG and its partner, Brett Reizen. The Cirque is also developing a new generation of theme parks, focused on multimedia experiences rather than traditional rides. Despite its setbacks, the Cirque has big dreams in its latest five-year business plan – Mr. Laliberté has mapped the company’s growth that way ever since its creation in 1984. To finance those new ventures and to reduce his own financial risk, Mr. Laliberté is now seeking outside investors. Not only is the Cirque owner willing to sell a minority stake in his company, but he hopes to attract investors in three new funds. A real estate fund would give the Cirque minority stakes in projects and allow it to steer work toward its own constellation of creative companies. An intellectual property fund would permit the Cirque to reduce the royalty fees it pays for shows such as Michael Jackson One while allowing investors to profit from the rise in catalogue value following the release of shows. A production fund would allow investors to invest into a collection of shows such as the Broadway shows the Cirque is preparing in the hopes of finally cracking the New York market. Within five years, Mr. Laliberté hopes to double the company’s operating earnings, to $350-million annually. Then he will decide what he does next. In 2019, his oldest daughter will reach 23 and may wish to play a more active role in the company. “I always said I won’t be here forever,” he said. But Mr. Laliberté won’t leave the Cirque’s yellow and blue Big Top until it is totally straightened up. { SOURCE: Globe and Mail | http://goo.gl/El408D } Cirque & Grupo Vidanta Unveil – JOYÀ! {May.07.2014} ----------------------------------------------------- Cirque du Soleil, a leading entertainment company, and Grupo Vidanta, a leading developer of world-class resorts and tourism infrastructure in Mexico, unveiled the name and plans for JOYÀ, an intimate and immersive theatrical and culinary experience that will open this fall and take residency exclusively at the Cirque du Soleil Theater in Riviera Maya near The Grand Mayan resort. Mexico Secretary of Tourism Claudia Ruiz Massieu said, “We are extremely excited for what the partnership between Cirque du Soleil and Grupo Vidanta offers to all visitors of Cancun and Riviera Maya. JOYÀ will be a world-class attraction for Mexico.” JOYÀ combines culinary and performing arts in an intimate theater setting to engage the audience’s five senses. Drawing on Mexico’s history and heritage, JOYÀ tells the story of an alchemist and his granddaughter embarking on a transformative quest to uncover the secrets of life. Through their wonderfully disorienting journey they will discover a hidden gem in the mangrove, passing along the poetry of love and life to future generations. About the name The name JOYÀ is rooted in the Spanish “joya” meaning jewel or pearl, and alludes to a person or event of great value. Through the performance, the alchemist’s granddaughter will discover joy and wisdom by sharing an extraordinary experience in an unlikely place. Stage Director Martin Genest and Culinary Designer Alexis Bostelmann of Grupo Vidanta, who created the culinary experience, will begin preview performances of JOYÀ on November 8, 2014, and it will Premiere on November 21, 2014. “This new creative collision of cuisine and immersive performances is tailor made for Cancun and Riviera Maya,” said Daniel Lamarre, President and CEO of Cirque du Soleil. “We reveled in the creative challenge of introducing something completely different in JOYÀ. Through the integration of premium food and beverage service into a Cirque du Soleil theatrical experience that draws on Mexico’s rich culture and heritage, JOYÀ will deliver an immersive, multisensory offering beyond anything that currently exists for residents and visitors of Mexico, or elsewhere in the world.” JOYÀ will be housed in a 600-seat theater custom-built for Cirque du Soleil, which draws inspiration from the natural beauty of the surrounding jungle. The premium dinner service will feature international gastronomy and the finest beverages – including champagne from Mercier, one of the world’s most renowned champagne producers, located in the Épernay region of northern France – incorporated into a theatrical prelude to JOYÀ. Along with Stage Director Martin Genest, JOYÀ will bring together a team of 15 creators and 24 artists in a performance that will captivate audiences of all ages. Preview performances for JOYÀ will begin on November 8, 2014, at the Cirque du Soleil Theater in Riviera Maya near The Grand Mayan resort. To reserve tickets today: o) Go to cirquedusoleil.com/joya o) Call 1-844-247-7837 (U.S. & Canada) or 1-800-247-7837 (Mexico) Ticket prices (USD) are: o) High Stools – Show – $65.00 o) Show – $80.00 o) Show and Champagne – $110.00 o) Show Dinner and Champagne – $165.00 o) VIP Show Dinner and Champagne – $225.00 Delivery fees are not included. For more information on JOYÀ, visit cirquedusoleil.com/joya, or follow Facebook.com/JOYA and on Twitter at #JOYA. { SOURCE: Cirque du Soleil } KURIOS – Cabinet of Curiosities | Official Trailer {May.08.2014} ----------------------------------------------------- Take a peek into our Cabinet of Curiosities! KURIOS by Cirque du Soleil is now playing in Montreal?! Get your tickets now: http://cirk.me/1gS2g1n See the video here! LINK ///< http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eMSmGgG9grI > { SOURCE: Cirque du Soleil } KOOZA Celebrates 7 Years, 2500 Shows {May.14.2014} ----------------------------------------------------- A very busy start to Vienna! Kooza celebrates 7 years and 2500 shows! BRAVO to all & thank you for the incredible support over the years! Many, many more to come! { SOURCE: Cirque du Soleil } Google Glass at Zarkana? {May.19.2014} ----------------------------------------------------- Cirque du Soleil’s “Zarkana” at Aria will become the first show on the Strip, according to Strip Scribbles writer Robin Leach, and the first Cirque production anywhere in the world, to use the new Google glasses technology incorporated into the audience experience. # # # Google glass is a miniaturized computer that fits over a person’s line of sight permitting the wearer to take video. Users can store those Google images and use them for video chats and mapping locations or in Cirque’s case screen them directly to audiences on big screens. In the case of “Zarkana,” I’ve learned that artists will wear the Google inventions to give audiences a “bird’s-eye view” to experience the same feelings and sensations that the performers do. A new advertising and promotional campaign will unveil the new “Zarkana” at the beginning of June. It will be as if the audience is riding inside and on top of the Wheel of Death. The blue sand lady will wear the glasses so audiences can see how she creates her amazing designs. British twin aerialists Andrew and Kevin Atherton, who perform incredible, heart-stopping acrobatic feats, will wear Google glasses so that audiences can experience even more just how amazing their daredevil feats are in the spectacular. # # # If the Google test at “Zarkana” meets with positive audience reaction it will be rolled out where applicable at other Cirque shows around the world, Leach said. { SOURCE: Las Vegas Sun | http://goo.gl/dEq8HH } Video /// JOYÀ by Cirque du Soleil Teaser Trailer {May.20.2014} ----------------------------------------------------- We're excited to share a first look at JOYÀ, a deliciously creative experience, coming soon to Riviera Maya! See the video here! LINK /// < http://youtu.be/GtECdtsI_9c > { SOURCE: YouTube } Video /// Cirque HQ Behind the Scenes {May.23.2014} ----------------------------------------------------- Take a virtual tour of Cirque du Soleil Montreal headquarters for an exclusive look at our day to day. Ready? See the video here: LINK /// < http://youtu.be/4d_o_irP7Dw > { SOURCE: Cirque du Soleil } The Telegraph: “A Day with Dralion” {May.28.2014} ----------------------------------------------------- Some people dream of running away with the circus. The allure of the big top; of daredevil acrobats and clowns with painted faces; of fire-eaters and unicyclists and trapeze artists soaring hundreds of feet into the air – for some, it’s the stuff of fantasy. I am not one of those people. For a start, I’m scared of heights. I can’t look down from a first-floor balcony without feeling weak at the knees. I’m too inflexible even to touch my toes, and I haven’t ridden a bicycle – forget a unicycle – since I was 10 years old, when I tumbled over the handlebars and broke both my arms. I am about as likely to run away with the circus as I am to cross the road blindfolded. But when the opportunity came up to join its stars for a day, I found, to my surprise, that I couldn’t resist. This was, however, no ordinary circus. Cirque du Soleil is an international extravaganza of a performing troupe, famous for its astounding stunts, surreal costumes and gravity-defying, logic-defying, death-defying acrobats. Founded by two street performers in Canada in 1984, the avant- garde company has grown into one of the world’s best-known and most lucrative entertainment acts, seen by 150 million spectators in over 300 cities, and worth an estimated $2 billion (£1.2 billion). This year, as it celebrates its 30th anniversary, Cirque is bringing Dralion, one of its oldest shows, to the UK – and I’ve been invited backstage to learn some of its tricks. They’re mid-rehearsal as I enter Birmingham’s LG Arena, and on stage two pint-sized performers are teetering on top of a giant multi-coloured ball. “We have to keep it fresh,” explains Julie Desmarais, Dralion’s publicist. “They’re performing every night – we’ll do our 1,000th show in a few weeks – so during the day they learn new skills. You could see this show a dozen times and each time it’s different. We like to keep you on your toes.” Which, it turns out, is exactly what they intend to do to me: I’ll spend most of the next five hours either in the air or tangled in a heap on the floor. A gruelling schedule awaits, and all that stands between me and big top fame is a terrifying waiver, which I must sign before I begin. “I am aware that my participation in this activity involves risks of injury, including but not limited to: serious head or neck injury, muscle tears, broken bones, concussion, permanent disability and even death,” it reads. I laugh, somewhat hysterically, and hope they don’t see my hand shaking as I write my name. Backstage at Cirque du Soleil is just as bizarre and magical as you’d imagine. There are stacks of dragon heads in one corner (Dralion is an amalgam of “dragon” and “lion”); sequinned leotards hanging in another. Most of the floor is taken up by blue mats, on which acrobats are stretching, leaping and back-flipping, and a bank of TV screens, playing a tape of the previous night’s show, so performers can make improvements. From the ceiling hangs a strip of silk, to which a doll-like girl has locked her legs and is spinning gracefully around the room. This, it turns out, is “aerial silk” – a breathtaking mid-air ballet. Julia Makarova, 21, from Russia, and Tarek Rammo, 25, from the Netherlands, are the act’s stars, and they’ve got the dubious honour of teaching me the ropes. “I’m fourth-generation circus,” explains Julia, politely ignoring my undignified efforts to heave myself up the silk. “My parents did a handstand balancing act; my grandparents did contortion and my great-grandparents did a pyramid act. They stretched me from when I was little and when I was 12 I joined my grandparents’ circus school in Ukraine.” She loves what she does, she says, because she feels “special” on stage, with all eyes on her. I can’t say I get it: having managed to hoist myself a metre off the ground, I’m flailing wildly, my legs trussed up like a turkey’s, as my teachers shout encouragement. “You see, flying is fun!” grins Tarek, not helping matters by whipping off his top to reveal the most muscly torso I have ever seen. “I was a gymnast for 10 years before this. It is the best job – so many talented artists, unique facilities and amazing equipment.” I wobble, awkwardly wind my way down and recover my dignity from the floor. “Don’t worry,” he smiles. “It’s not for everyone.” I may not be a natural, but Tarek and Julia have passed rigorous auditions to get to this stage. Each performer sends in a demo tape, via Cirque du Soleil’s website; from this a database is compiled, and when a vacancy arises, the chosen few are sent to the Montreal HQ for intensive training. Though the troupe is known for pushing the boundaries of traditional techniques, it requires its members to know the basics: contortion, balancing and gymnastics. Of its 19 shows currently being performed around the globe, many still take place in big tops, and lots of its stars hail from circus stock. There’s a real sense of camaraderie backstage – from the shared dressing rooms and canteen to the makeshift internet café, where the stars, from 19 different nationalities, keep in touch with friends thousands of miles away. “It’s like a big family,” Desmarais explains. “One of the acrobats teaches guitar to some of the others; one of the singers holds English classes. We move to a new city – sometimes a new country – every week, so we spend a lot of time together.” For some, the circus is even more than a home from home. Vladimir Pestov, 19, from Russia, grew up in Cirque: his parents have performed as part of it for 15 years, and he is a world- class juggler. “The circus was always where I was, so I thought, ‘Why not try it?’” he explains. “I taught myself to juggle. Everyone used to laugh when I said it’s what I wanted to do. And now here I am.” His hands are a blur as he throws eight balls above our heads and catches them with barely a flinch: some in his hands, others on his feet and one on the back of his neck. By contrast, I couldn’t be less coordinated, failing to catch a single one of the three I attempt to juggle. My ineptitude clear, I move on to a percussion lesson with Marcus Perozzi, a 29-year-old Australian whose role involves wearing a fabulous feathered costume and banging a huge drum called a taiko. The soundtrack is live each night, and it’s no easy feat keeping time with every leap, bound and handstand – but I’m definitely better at this than acrobatics. Next up is the costume department, a wonderland of glitter, sequins and feathers, where the 54 performers’ outfits are kept. “Each artist changes around five times in the show, so there are 3,000 pieces to keep track of,” explains Melody Wood, head of wardrobe. “When they join us, they are measured so that their costume, right down to wigs and shoes, is fitted perfectly to their body.” Make-up is another painstaking process: each performer applies their own, and can take up to two hours to apply coloured creams and powders. My final lesson of the day is with Hiroi Tokuma, a former Japanese trampolining champion, who joined the circus five years ago. “You have to be mentally strong, as well as physically fit,” she explains, as I fling myself up and down on the trampoline in response to her instructions. “You need to know the performers you’re working with – a lot of it is trust.” Her act involves five artists, springing dizzyingly high and perilously close to one another over two trampolines. Does she ever get frightened? “Actually I’m scared of heights,” she laughs. “When you think about it, it is scary, but if you just do it, it’s not. I try not to analyse what would happen if I fell off or hurt myself.” Later that night, watching Hiroi and the others on stage, I try to do the same. Dralion is mind-blowing: a feast of noise, colour and amazing human spectacle, but simply watching it brings me out in a cold sweat. I’m definitely not cut out to take part. Next time the circus comes to town, you’ll find me sitting in the audience, feet very firmly on the ground. { SOURCE: The Telegraph | http://goo.gl/MkerP1 } Video /// How Cirque Artists Stay in Shape (CNN) {May.29.2014} ----------------------------------------------------- A great look at how our athletes and artists stay in shape! Check it out: LINK /// < http://cirk.me/1wu3U4s > { SOURCE: Cirque du Soleil, CNN } AVATAR by Cirque du Soleil? {May.29.2014} ----------------------------------------------------- Daniel Lamarre, President and CEO of Cirque du Soleil and Academy Award-winning filmmaker James Cameron announced a new partnership to develop an arena-touring show inspired by the world of Cameron’s history-making motion picture, AVATAR. This “live experience” is expected to debut late 2015 for what will become a global touring schedule. The announcement was made in Montreal during the international business C2MTL– Commerce + Creativity Conference. The live production will feature the creative signature drive of Cirque du Soleil in association with Cameron’s and Jon Landau’s Lightstorm Entertainment. The show is expected to debut before the first of three upcoming AVATAR sequels, for which Cameron is currently in pre-production. Twentieth Century Fox, which financed and distributed AVATAR, will bring the new films to theaters around the world and is also a partner on the live show. “Our relationship with Jim Cameron began with my visit at his Avatar cutting room”, explained Daniel Lamarre. “I am thrilled that almost 5 years later, Cirque du Soleil will be able to explore the very inspirational AVATAR realm for the live stage. This will mark our second creative project with Jim and I believe it will be as stimulating for both our creative forces.” “Over the years, I have discovered the extraordinary talents and imaginations of both the artists and the creative forces behind Cirque du Soleil,” said James Cameron. “I know we share the common goal of bringing audiences to another level of entertainment experiences. I look forward to doing just that on this project.” “Audiences around the globe have embraced AVATAR and we believe they will want to experience this amazing world in an entirely new way,” commented Kathy Franklin, President of Franchise Development at Lightstorm Entertainment. “Avatar remains a phenomenon that continues to inspire people around the globe, and combining it with the live event ingenuity of Cirque du Soleil is a perfect synthesis of imagination and talent,” said Jim Gianopulos, Chairman and CEO, 20th Century Fox. “As Jim Cameron prepares to take us to even greater heights with three new AVATAR films, we’re thrilled with the innovative experience he’s developing in this groundbreaking agreement with Cirque de Soleil.” Creative forces from Cirque du Soleil and Lightstorm Entertainment will meet and put in place a dedicated creative team, which will be announced at a later date. { SOURCE: Cirque du Soleil, Variety | http://goo.gl/83g6Vh } Photo // JOYÀ Theater Coming Along! {May.30.2014} ----------------------------------------------------- I’m not sure when the shot was taken, but here’s Cirque’s newest theater, in Mexico! Check it out here: LINK /// < http://www.cirquefascination.com/?p=4826 > { SOURCE: Grupo Vidanta } Video /// Meet Cirque’s World-Class Athletes {May.30.2014} ----------------------------------------------------- If you’ve ever been to a Cirque du Soleil show you are getting a close-up look at some of the best athletes in the world. Jay Durant introduces Global News viewers to a few of them. Check it out here: LINK /// < http://goo.gl/LYt69v > { SOURCE: Global News } Michael Jackson ONE to Offer Sunday Matinees {May.33.2014} ----------------------------------------------------- Las Vegas visitors will soon have the option of squeezing in a Cirque du Soleil show before grabbing dinner and checking out a nightclub. Officials have announced Sunday matinee performances of Michael Jackson ONE starting June 29. Tickets for those performances are on sale now. The Michael Jackson show at Mandalay Bay currently runs five evenings a week and has a 7 p.m. show on Sunday. Show representatives say adding a matinee option may be more convenient for audiences of the family-friendly show, which allows children 5 and up to attend. Michael Jackson ONE will be the only Cirque show in Las Vegas with an afternoon performance. { SOURCE: Cirque du Soleil } ======================================================================= ITINÉRAIRE -- TOUR/SHOW INFORMATION ======================================================================= o) BIGTOP - Under the Grand Chapiteau {Amaluna, Corteo, Koozå, OVO, Totem & Kurios} o) ARENA - In Stadium-like venues {Quidam, Dralion, MJ Immortal & Varekai} o) RESIDENT - Performed en Le Théâtre {Mystère, "O", La Nouba, Zumanity, KÀ, LOVE, Believe, Zarkana, MJ ONE & JOYÀ} NOTE: .) While we make every effort to provide complete and accurate touring dates and locations available, the information in this section is subject to change without notice. As such, the Fascination! Newsletter does not accept responsibility for the accuracy of these listings. For current, up-to-the-moment information on Cirque's whereabouts, please visit Cirque's website: < http://www.cirquedusoleil.com/ >. ------------------------------------ BIGTOP - Under the Grand Chapiteau ------------------------------------ Amaluna: Boston, MA -- May 29, 2014 to Jul 6, 2014 Washington, DC -- Jul 31, 2014 to Sep 21, 2014 Atlanta, GA -- Oct 3, 2014 to Nov 30, 2014 Corteo: Buenos Aires, BR - Jun 6, 2014 to Aug 3, 2014 Santiago, CL -- Aug 19, 2014 to Oct 5, 2014 Koozå: Vienna, AT -- May 9, 2014 to Jun 15, 2014 Port Aventura, ES -- Jul 11, 2014 to Aug 30, 2014 Warsaw, PL -- Sep 17, 2014 to Oct 19, 2014 Düsseldorf, DE -- Nov 6, 2014 to Nov 30, 2014 Kurios: Montreal, QC -- Apr 24, 2014 to Jul 13, 2014 Quebec City, QC -- Jul 24, 2014 to Aug 17, 2014 Toronto, ON -- Aug 28, 2014 to Oct 19, 2014 San Francisco, CA -- Nov 14, 2014 to Jan 18, 2015 Seattle, WA -- Jan 29, 2015 to Mar 22, 2015 Ovo: Tokyo, JP -- Feb 12, 2014 to Jun 29, 2014 Osaka, JP -- Jul 17, 2014 to Nov 2, 2014 Nagoya, JP -- Nov 20, 2014 to Feb 1, 2015 Fukuoka, JP -- Feb 20, 2015 to Apr 5, 2015 Sendai, JP -- Apr 23, 2015 to Jun 7, 2015 Totem: Vancouver, BC -- May 15, 2014 to Jul 6, 2014 Auckland, NZ -- Aug 22, 2014 to Sep 28, 2014 Syndey, AU -- Oct 28, 2014 to Nov 30, 2014 Melbourne, AU -- Jan 21, 2015 to Feb 15, 2015 Brisbane, AU -- Apr 10, 2015 to Apr 26, 2015 Adelaide, AU -- Jun 11, 2015 to Jul 5, 2015 Perth, AU -- Jul 31, 2015 to Aug 16, 2015 ------------------------------------ ARENA - In Stadium-Like Venues ------------------------------------ Quidam: Bremen, DE -- May 29, 2014 to Jun 1, 2014 Hamburg, DE -- Jun 4, 2014 to Jun 8, 2014 Luxembourg, LU -- Jun 11, 2014 to Jun 15, 2014 Tel Aviv, IL -- Aug 7, 2014 to Aug 16, 2014 Athens, GR -- Sep 20, 2014 to Sep 28, 2014 Thessaloniki, GR -- Sep 30, 2014 to Oct 5, 2014 Zurich, CH -- Oct 16, 2014 to Oct 19, 2014 Rome, IT -- Oct 22, 2014 to Oct 26, 2014 Bologna, IT -- Oct 29, 2014 to Nov 2, 2014 Florence, IT -- Nov 5, 2014 to Nov 9, 2014 Pesaro, IT -- Nov 12, 2014 to Nov 16, 2014 Milan, IT -- Nov 19, 2014 to Nov 23, 2014 Turin, IT -- Nov 26, 2014 to Nov 30, 2014 Paris, FR -- Dec 2, 2014 to Dec 7, 2014 Lille, FR -- Dec 10, 2014 to Dec 14, 2014 Lisbon, PT -- Dec 18, 2014 to Dec 28, 2014 Santa Cruz de Tenerife, ES -- Jan 3, 2015 to Jan 11, 2015 Dralion: Dublin, IE -- May 28, 2014 to Jun 1, 2014 London, UK -- Jun 4, 2014 to Jun 8, 2014 Manchester, UK -- Jun 11, 2014 to Jun 15, 2014 San Sebastian, ES -- Jul 3, 2014 to Jul 6, 2014 Santiago de Compostela, ES -- Jul 10, 2014 to Jul 20, 2014 Granada, ES -- Jul 23, 2014 to Jul 27, 2014 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, ES -- Aug 2, 2014 to Aug 10, 2014 Bilbao, ES -- Aug 17, 2014 to Aug 24, 2014 Palma de Mallorca, ES -- Aug 28, 2014 to Sep 6, 2014 Michael Jackson THE IMMORTAL World Tour: Lincoln, NE -- Jun 24, 2014 to Jun 25, 2014 Hoffman Estates, IL -- Jun 27, 2014 to Jun 28, 2014 Oklahoma City, OK -- Jul 22, 2014 to Jul 23, 2014 Dallas, TX -- Jul 25, 2014 to Jul 26, 2014 Lafayette, LA -- Jul 29, 2014 to Jul 30, 2014 Laredo, TX -- Aug 1, 2014 to Aug 2, 2014 Cedar Park, TX -- Aug 5, 2014 to Aug 6, 2014 Houston, TX -- Aug 8, 2014 to Aug 9, 2014 Mexico City, MX -- Aug 20, 2014 to Aug 24, 2014 Varekai: Lonson, ON -- May 28, 2014 to Jun 1, 2014 Bridgeport, CT -- Jun 4, 2014 to Jun 8, 2014 Hartford, CT -- Jun 11, 2014 to Jun 15, 2014 Bangor, ME -- Jun 18, 2014 to Jun 22, 2014 Manchester, NH -- Jun 25, 2014 to Jun 29, 2014 Providence, RI -- Jul 1, 2014 to Jul 6, 2014 Indianapolis, IN -- Jul 24, 2014 to Jul 27, 2014 Brooklyn, NY -- Jul 30, 2014 to Aug 4, 2014 Cleveland, OH -- Aug 6, 2014 to Aug 10, 2014 Erie, PA -- Aug 13, 2014 to Aug 17, 2014 Atlantic City, NJ - Aug 20, 2014 to Aug 24, 2014 Newark, NJ -- Aug 27, 2014 to Aug 31, 2014 Portland, ME -- Sep 3, 2014 to Sep 7, 2014 Philadelphia, PA -- Sep 10, 2014 to Sep 14, 2014 Orlando, FL -- Sep 17, 2014 to Sep 21, 2014 Estero, FL -- Sep 24, 2014 to Sep 28, 2014 Highland Estates, KY -- Oct 16, 2014 to Oct 19, 2014 Roanoke, VA -- Oct 22, 2014 to Oct 26, 2014 Hershey, PA -- Oct 29, 2014 to Nov 3, 2014 Columbia, SC -- Nov 5, 2014 to Nov 9, 2014 Hampton, VA -- Nov 12, 2014 to Nov 16, 2014 Baton Rouge, LA -- Nov 19, 2014 to Nov 23, 2014, --------------------------------- RESIDENT - en Le Théâtre --------------------------------- Mystère: Location: Treasure Island, Las Vegas (USA) Performs: Saturday through Wednesday, Dark: Thursday/Friday Two shows Nightly - 7:00pm & 9:30pm 2014 Dark Dates: o July 9 - 11 o September 4 - 12 o November 5 - 7 Added performances in 2014: o December 26 "O": Location: Bellagio, Las Vegas (USA) Performs: Wednesday through Sunday, Dark: Monday/Tuesday Two shows Nightly - 7:30pm and 10:00pm 2014 Dark Dates: o June 8 o August 4 - 12 o October 5 o December 1 - 16 Added performances in 2014: o June 3 o December 29 La Nouba: Location: Walt Disney World, Orlando (USA) Performs: Tuesday through Saturday, Dark: Sunday/Monday Two shows Nightly - 6:00pm and 9:00pm 2014 Dark Dates: o July 20 - 22 o September 14 - 22 o November 2 - 5 o December 7 - 9 Zumanity: Location: New York-New York, Las Vegas (USA) Performs: Friday through Tuesday, Dark Wednesday/Thursday Two Shows Nightly - 7:30pm and 10:00pm 2014 Dark Dates: o August 20-September 4 o October 21 o December 10-18 KÀ: Location: MGM Grand, Las Vegas (USA) Performs: Tuesday through Saturday, Dark Sunday/Monday Two Shows Nightly - 7:00pm and 9:30pm 2014 Dark Dates: o July 19 o September 21-29 o December 2 Added performances in 2014: o August 31 o December 28 LOVE: Location: Mirage, Las Vegas (USA) Performs: Thursday through Monday, Dark: Tuesday/Wednesday Two Shows Nightly - 7:00pm and 9:30pm 2014 Dark Dates: o June 5 o July 29 - August 6 o October 2 o December 2 - 17 Added performances in 2014: o August 12 o December 31 BELIEVE: Location: Luxor, Las Vegas (USA) Performs: Friday through Tuesday, Dark: Wednesday/Thursday Two Shows Nightly - 7:00pm and 10:00pm NOTE: Children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult. Children under the age of five are not permitted into the theater. 2014 Dark Dates: o June 15 - 30 o September 1 - 8 o November 9 - 17 ZARKANA: Location: Aria, Las Vegas (USA) Performs: Friday through Tuesday, Dark: Wednesday/Thursday Two Shows Nightly - 7:00pm and 9:30pm 2014 Dark Dates: o July 15 o September 3 - 11 o November 4 Added performances in 2014: o June 26 o August 7 MICHAEL JACKSON ONE: Location: Mandalay Bay, Las Vegas (USA) Performs: Saturday through Wednesday, Dark: Thursday/Friday Two Shows Nightly: 7:00pm and 10:00pm 2014 Dark Dates: o July 24 - 31 o September 24 - 26 o November 13 - 28 Added performances in 2014: o August 29 o December 26 JOYÀ: Location: Riviera Maya, Mexico Performs: Tuesday through Saturday, Dark: Sunday/Monday One/Two Shows Nightly: 9:00pm (Weekdays) 7:00pm & 10:15pm (Fri, Sat & Holidays) Premiere will be held on Saturday, November 8th at 9:00pm Prices: o) VIP Show Dinner & Champagne [RED] — $MXN 2,970.00 o) Show Dinner and Champagne [BLUE] — $MXN 2,178.00 o) Show and Champagne [GREEN] — $MXN 1,452.00 o) Show Only [ORANGE] — $MXN $1,056 o) High Stools (Show Only) [PURPLE] — $MXN 858.000 ======================================================================= OUTREACH - UPDATES FROM CIRQUE's SOCIAL WIDGETS ======================================================================= o) Club Cirque -- This Month at CirqueClub o) Didyaknow? –- Facts About Cirque o) Networking -- Posts on Facebook, G+, & YouTube --------------------------------------- CLUB CIRQUE: This Month at CirqueClub --------------------------------------- Casting Newsletter | May 2014 ----------------------------------- IT’S TRAINING TIME In this video series Eric Saintonge — a Cirque du Soleil artist and personal trainer—provides training tips to improve your workout session. He shows us squats, abs, stretching and push-up routines. The content of this video has been created by Eric Saintonge and Jean- Philippe Viens, kinesiologist and performer on Quidam. Caution: Before starting a work-out program that includes any of these exercises, please consult your doctor or personal trainer. View Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WE5EihHD4PM DISCOVER A SINGERS SPECIFIC TRAINING Meet artist Josua Anuar as he trains to become singer in the Dralion touring show. In this episode, Josua is learning the basics of a new character. In order to successfully prepare future artists on our shows, a specific training is held at Cirque du Soleil International Headquarters in Montreal, Canada. It is conducted by a team of interdisciplinary specialists, such as health professionals, performance experts, nutritionists and interpreters. This training focuses on acrobatic and artistic elements so that artists can master each performance aspect prior to joining the show. View Video: http://youtu.be/lX8UPZqr4Z0 FROM OLYMPIANS TO ARTISTS Former Olympic athletes now performing on the Cirque du Soleil show OVO tell us their stories and professional journey. Did you know that Cirque du Soleil is a fantastic springboard for athletes from around the globe? Once they have completed a full career, the company offers athletes a unique opportunity to embark on a new adventure and start a professional career in a dynamic environment with good working conditions. View Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hdwIK72fWBM NICE VISITS AT CIRQUE INTERNATIONAL HEADQUARTERS Over the last few months, we have had the pleasure to welcome to Montreal the Federation Internationale de Gymnastique (FIG) Trampoline and Tumbling Technical Committee and Chris Korotky, President of Inside Publications (Inside Gymnastics, Inside Dance, Inside Cheerleading, etc.). UPCOMING SCOUTING EVENTS Come meet our Talent Scouts at these various upcoming festivals, events and competitions being held around the world. You will learn more about on-stage job opportunities available to artists, acrobats and athletes. {June 2014} o) Athletes *) GymConUSA 2014, Las Vegas, United States Talent Scout: Stacy Clark Acrobatic Head Coach: Dan Niehaus o) Circus Performers *) Centre national des arts du cirque show, Châlons-en- Champagne, France – Talent Scout: Philippe Agogué *) Soirée des éclats du Lido, Toulouse, France Talent Scout: Philippe Agogué *) Académie Fratellini Graduating students’ show, Paris, France – Talent Scout: Philippe Agogué *) Ecole Supérieure des Arts du Cirque Graduating students’ show, Brussels, Belgium – Talent Scout: Philippe Agogué o) Dancers *) 2014 DansEncore, Trois-Rivières, Quebec, Canada Talent Scout: Amy Brogan o) Physical Actors *) Sibiu International Theatre Festival, Sibiu, Romania Talent Scout: Marc-André Roy {July 2014} o) Circus Performers *) European Juggling Convention 2014, Cork, Ireland Talent Scout: Stacy Clark o) Dancers *) Dance World Cup finals, Niagara, Ontario, Canada Talent Scout: Amy Brogan o) Physical Actors *) MIMOS – International Mime Festival, Périgueux, France Talent Scout: Marc-André Roy o) Singers *) New York Musical Theatre Festival (NYMF), New York, NY Talent Scout: Séverine Parent {August 2014} o) Athletes *) USA Gymnastics National Championships, Pittsburgh, PA Talent Scout: Stacy Clark o) Clowns *) Edinburgh International Festival (Edinburgh, Scotland) Talent Scout: Yves Sheriff {September 2014} o) Clowns *) The New York Clown Theater Festival 2014 Talent Scout: Yves Sheriff --------------------------------------- DIDYAKNOW?: Facts About Cirque --------------------------------------- o) Didyaknow that 2,000 pounds of pumice hand cleaner is used to remove the Chinese Poles glue from our hands at Mystère? That’s what we call a sticky situation. o) Didyaknow Mystère's odaiko drum is the largest of all our drums? It had to be placed in the theatre prior to it being built and remains there today. (Can we get a drum roll, please?) o) Didyaknow that an estimated 1,300 hours went into making one KÀ crab puppet? (We bet the creators were in such a crabby mood during the process.) o) Didyaknow that the KÀ Theatre has over 3,300 lighting fixtures? o) Didyaknow that every seat in the KÀ Theatre has two speakers built into its headrest? It allows sound effects to be targeted, manipulated and customized to any of the 16 seating zones. o) Didyaknow Zumanity use 1200 yards of silk to make 9 silk capes? You can definitely say we are well and cape-able of keeping the show running! o) Didyaknow costume pieces for CRISS ANGEL Believe are treated with a flame resistant product to protect the costume and artists from any stray pyrotechnic sparks? o) Didyaknow Dralion celebrated a milestone in Dublin on May 29th? It performed its 1,000th arena show. --------------------------------------------------- NETWORKING: Cirque on Facebook, YouTube & Twitter --------------------------------------------------- {Compiled by Keith Johnson} ---[ AMALUNA ]--- {May.15} Teaching Natalie the Teeterboard... LINK /// < http://goo.gl/XK20Yz > {May.15} Great job, boys! If you missed is this morning in Rockefeller Plaza, you can watch here: LINK /// < http://goo.gl/9ohWV3 > {May.24} The locals here in Boston put on a parade to welcome us... LINK /// < http://goo.gl/8F4V3D > {May.28} Any idea what goes into a national TV show appearance? Check out this amazing video made by Amaluna ‘s own Teeterboard artist, Joe McAdam, and see for yourself! LINK /// < https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZyndqgUoCgM > {May.29} It's the BOSTON Premiere tonight! Thank you for having us, Boston, it's a pleasure to perform for you! Check out some of our beautiful artists featured in the current issue of Improper Bostonian Magazine. LINK /// < http://www.improper.com/features/moonstruck/ > ---[ CORTEO ]--- {May.01} Terminaron los entrenamientos de hoy! Estamos listos para el ensayo general!! LINK /// < http://goo.gl/79kCvz > {May.02} Avant premier en Córdoba está por comenzar muy pronto!!! LINK /// < http://goo.gl/utMmVw > {May.02} Tuvimos una gran avant premiere en La Docta! Muchisimas gracias por tanta energía! LINK /// < http://goo.gl/C5MPJq > {May.06} Gran comentario sobre Corteo! "Un recorrido vertiginoso con lugar para la risa y la sorpresa." LINK /// < http://goo.gl/CCFU42 > {May.07} Detrás del espectáculo, hay otro gran espectáculo. Esta es nuestra automatización! LINK /// < http://goo.gl/kRNaeL > {May.09} Entrenamiento de Foot Juggling, adivina cuántos aros puede lanzar?? LINK /// < http://goo.gl/EEvvt3 > {May.10} Puedo con 8 aros a la vez, 4 a las manos y 4 a los pies! LINK /// < http://goo.gl/4U4vE9 > {May.13} Que lindo día en Córdoba para entrenar afuera! Vamos a empezar con 80 kg... LINK /// < http://goo.gl/wjEBuj > {May.15} Estamos en la búsqueda de nuevos artistas, y creemos que una buena opción sería incorporar un hermano mellizo para Victorino. LINK /// < http://goo.gl/t8m49l > LINK /// < http://goo.gl/Wwh1PV > LINK /// < http://goo.gl/xF7XnE > {May.17} Más de 60 mil personas ya han disfrutado de la magia de Corteo en Córdoba! Aún nos queda una semana en la ciudad, es la última chance de ver nuestro show en vivo! LINK /// < http://goo.gl/1gxWGx > {May.18} Aqui podemos ver un Adelanto del acto del Diabolo llevado a cabo por Sasha y Marcelo. Vení mañana a ver el acto completo al Polo Circo! LINK /// < http://goo.gl/gMXjeH > {May.19} ¡¡Qué experiencia fantástica participar en la Gala del Festival Circo Polo!! Ha sido un placer compartir esta experiencia con artistas y equipo tan internacional! Buenos Aires, volvemos pronto! LINK /// < http://goo.gl/uHwvXC > {May.21} Un día en la oficina. Un chiste privado entre Roger, un técnico en Corteo, y el director general, Patrick! LINK /// < http://goo.gl/IzJQQa > {May.22} Hello lovers of Corteo!! Congratulations, we have reached 50,000 Likes on our Facebook page!! Help us out, invite your friends to Like our page. All new likes between now and June 2 will go into a draw, to win an amazing, unique gift - Gino, one of Corteo's famous Chickens! He has been used in the show through most of Brazil and Cordoba, and will come to the winner signed by the cast!! Give your friends the best gift - the gift of a Corteo Chicken!!! LINK /// < http://goo.gl/0DTmmU > {May.25} Gracias por su hermosa energía, sonrisas y mensajes! Disfrutamos mucho actuar en Córdoba con ustedes! Mucho amor para todos! LINK /// < http://goo.gl/Btg31T > {May.27} Miren! Esta es la presentación de Diabolo en La Gala del Festival Circo Polo!! LINK /// < http://cirk.me/1oFphLy > {May.31} Ya habias visto este video increible de Stephan y David ensayando Más de 2 millones de personas ya lo vieron en Y outube. Si te gusto este, seguinos porque vamos a subir videos como estos todo el tiempo! LINK /// < https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sdCBqI3Jn3Y > ---[ DRALION ]--- {May.07} Hello Glasgow! We had fun taking pictures in front of the SSE Hydro yesterday! LINK /// < http://goo.gl/IvSvk1 > {May.12} Hello Sheffield! Follow one of our artists as he tells you what it is like to perform as Clown Alberti. LINK /// < http://goo.gl/L0Sv9l > {May.15} It's back to work for the cast of Dralion. Here's a short video of the Crossed wheel training that occurred earlier today. LINK /// < http://goo.gl/FEMbgc > {May.28} Only one week to go until Dralion returns to London. Follow Sarah Rainey from the Telegraph learning some circus skills with our perfomers. LINK /// < http://goo.gl/Mmn18h > {May.28} Opening day at the O2 Arena LINK /// < http://goo.gl/3qnwTM > ---[ KURIOS ]--- {May.01} Today we're celebrating KURIOSl World Premiere in Montreal! LINK /// < http://goo.gl/1TB3Pr > {May.02} Thank you Montreal! Our wold premiere of KURIOS was a real success! LINK /// < http://goo.gl/fSznXT > {May.07} The KURIOS team wishes you a great day! Go out and enjoy the sun like this KURIOS Plunger character! LINK /// < http://goo.gl/VFIpYh > {May.13} Ce matin, l'équipe de Breakfast Television Montreal est au chapiteau du Cirque du Soleil pour rencontrer Michel Laprise et voir des artistes en répétition! LINK /// < http://goo.gl/V9hONg > {May.22} Montreal, keep an eye out for The KURIOS street team! They're currently in town with great surprises for passersby. LINK /// < http://goo.gl/jESZmZ > {May.23} Salut Bonjour morning show was behind the scenes at Kurios! LINK /// < http://goo.gl/9VTRQb > {May.30} KURIOS brought Montreal walls to life! Were you part of the spectators? LINK /// < http://vimeo.com/93438410 > ---[ MJ IMMORTAL ]--- {May.14} We're excited to celebrate the release of XSCAPE with this original music video for Blue Gangsta. Don’t miss your chance to see these incredible artists and more perform LIVE at an arena near you! LINK /// < https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Te9h2vdpZ7M > {May.19} Caught backstage - multi-talented Pole Dancer, Anna Melnikova, showing off some of her hand balancing skills! LINK /// < http://goo.gl/fEMVV3 > ---[ MJ ONE ]--- {May.16} One of our dancers, Charles “Lil Buck” Riley, was featured on a segment in CBS This Morning. LINK /// < http://goo.gl/t7veQ0 > {May.23} Here’s an inside interview with Ngame, the moon goddess, and OK! TV. Find out what she thinks about the release of the new Xscape album! LINK /// < http://goo.gl/37uPP6 > {May.26} Here’s a radio interview with two of our artists. Hear about the thrilling experience of performing for you twice a day, five days a week! LINK /// < http://goo.gl/pgaNrG > ---[ OVO ]--- {May.04} Japanese fans are amazing. They have been giving us flowers, cards and gifts at every show. The cast and crew of OVO would like to thank the Gillie Club for the beautiful cake they sent on Sunday. You guys are welcome anytime. LINK /// < http://goo.gl/GgsGn1 > {May.06} One of our scarabs found a new way to relax before the show. LINK /// < http://goo.gl/ZHhpPD > {May.08} HAPPY 5 YEAR ANNIVERSARY OVO!!!! On May 8th 2009, the mysterious egg appeared for the first time in Montreal’s Old Port. The OVO was revealed to the world and brought a unique world where insects would work, eat, crawl, flutter, play, fight and look for love in a non-stop riot of energy and movement. 3 million spectators and 1665 shows later, the 25th Cirque du Soleil production, created by Deborah Colker, has never been better. The cast and crew of OVO would like to thank each and every one of you who came to see the show in the last 5 years and we hope to see you all again soon. LINK /// < http://goo.gl/zX3ArB > LINK /// < http://goo.gl/WrWi7t > LINK /// < http://goo.gl/IOBfUo > LINK /// < http://goo.gl/RmFtiS > LINK /// < http://goo.gl/CkE8rZ > {May.11} OVO would like to congratulate its 300 000 spectator in Tokyo. OVO also set a new Cirque du Soleil record by hitting the 300 000 mark after only 12 weeks of shows. LINK /// < http://goo.gl/rVERhA > {May.11} Hello Tokyo, Last Thursday, the Tokyo Yakult Swallows invited the Foreigner to throw the ceremonial first pitch against the Hiroshima Toyo Carp. He was joined by 2 Crickets and the Firefly who did a short Diabolo performance. It was a fun event! Go Go Swallows!!! LINK /// < http://goo.gl/L4xb48 > LINK /// < http://goo.gl/D7MM7F > LINK /// < http://goo.gl/72r4iA > {May.12} OVO is very sad today. Our Assistant Artistic Director is leaving. Thank you Jen for all the joy you brought to this tour. We will miss you. LINK /// < http://goo.gl/cvbBbp > {May.16} Our Japanese fans are really amazing. Today, we received a needlepoint cushion with the OVO logo. This is so creative and original. Thank you so much! LINK /// < http://goo.gl/CgdpyS > {May.18} Dear OVO fans, it's been 5 years already! We can't believe it. It went so fast. Here's a picture of the entire cast & crew of OVO (Tokyo 2014 Edition) who were part of the 5th anniversary celebration! LINK /// < http://goo.gl/ZnNSXb > {May.24} MEET THE ANTS - The hardest working insects in the community are the bright red Ants. As soon as they’re awake they spend their day gathering food: On the menu today, kiwis and corn. But it’s not all work. They play with their food too, with their feet, in an astonishing display of precision juggling that climaxes with ants juggling ants. LINK /// < http://goo.gl/G96tiR > {May.31} Great performance of the White Spider and the Black Spider on Thursday to announce the upcoming engagement in Osaka. LINK /// < http://goo.gl/MWWdCx > ---[ QUIDAM ]--- {May.11} A moment ago on stage, Quidam received its official O2 World Arena Berlin Bear. We're pumped for our final performance in Berlin, Tschüss! LINK /// < http://goo.gl/CEY6bD > {May.14} Acrobats, props, costumes, band... everyything backstage is ready for our opening night at Nuremberg Arena tonight Toi toi toi! LINK /// < http://goo.gl/jSk0Qx > {May.16} Earlier this week the Quidam Spokesperson, Artistic Director and Hand to Hand act were at Technopolis~Gazi to announce the show coming to Greece. Efharisto for the warm, sunny welcome! LINK /// < http://goo.gl/TYJBjw > LINK /// < http://goo.gl/ndrNJF > {May.18} Cardio, stretching, pilates… it’s all part of our Backstage training! What’s your favourite form of exercise? — with Jonny Stranks and Norihisa Taguchi at Nuremberg Arena. LINK /// < http://goo.gl/NkJivl > {May.21} Soundcheck Backstage Cirque - sure sounds like Quidam is ready to open in Hannover at TUI Arena. LINK /// < http://goo.gl/w3HnwZ > ---[ TOTEM ]--- {May.04} Because all good things come to an end, we are performing our two last shows in United States today in Portland! Since February 2011, we have performed in 17 US cities. It is now time to gear up for our next adventures: Vancouver, BC and Auckland, NZ!! Thank you American audiences; you have been simply amazing! LINK /// < http://goo.gl/rad5nm > {May.05} Look how happy they are at the end of their tear-down! Our Front of House supervisors loaded the containers last night for the last time in the US! Vancouver, we are on our way! LINK /// < http://goo.gl/vyc2ng > {May.14} Meet TOTEM Green Frog Riki Fujimaki as the cast rehearse for tomorrow's Vancouver Opening Night! LINK /// < http://instagram.com/p/n_mH7kxI7H/?igref=ogexp# > {May.17} Hola amigos!!! Grab the latest edition of People en Español to see the results of the photoshoot we did back in February with actress Genesis Rodriguez in the Big Top! LINK /// < http://goo.gl/XXw501 > {May.18} Last-minute touch-ups! Our wardrobe team never has a break! LINK /// < http://goo.gl/j59VUo > {May.21} The Province followed a few TOTEM performers in their make-up process before the show! LINK /// < http://cirk.me/totemmakeup > ---[ VAREKAI ]--- {May.11} A special thank you to the very talented Heather Sherman from Art2Eat Cakes for the beautiful (and very yummy) cake for our cast and crew! Your talent is grand and we wish you the best of luck with your business! LINK /// < http://goo.gl/DKsnbz > LINK /// < http://goo.gl/3AjLwv > {May.13} Hey Kansas City! Our NA'a have been spotted at the KC Live studios! They're taking over the set. LINK /// < http://goo.gl/hec5tg > {May.16} Curious as to what our artists eat to stay fit? Read this great article from the The Kansas City Star and see what Emily, Raphael and Liz have to say about food! LINK /// < http://goo.gl/jvjhuc > {May.30} Want to learn more about Varekai and what happens behind the scenes? Check out this cool video by Rogers TV, London on daytime London LINK /// < http://goo.gl/TDYl6e > ---[ ZARKANA ]--- {May.12} We hosted a fun Yelp event at Zarkana on Saturday. Are you curious to know what they thought about our show? You can read their reviews below! LINK /// < http://goo.gl/r1cX25 > ---[ ZUMANITY ]--- {May.06} Stay tuned for a look at our new Zumanity photoshoot with Nene Leakes. In the meantime, here’s a look behind the scenes! LINK /// < http://goo.gl/Or7zUq > {May.07} A few artists from Zumanity visited the MGM Resorts Call Center yesterday. By the looks of it, it was a “pleasure” meeting the artists! LINK /// < http://goo.gl/xtsyDq > {May.13} Watch behind-the-scenes footage of our photo shoot with NENE LEAKES, and find out what she thinks about being the “Mistress of Sensuality!” LINK /// < https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QaB24X3plBg > {May.14} NENE LEAKES tells Us Weekly how excited she is to play the role of “Mistress of Sensuality” for her 10 show engagement with Zumanity! Read the full article below. LINK /// < http://goo.gl/xJlTGd > ======================================================================= FASCINATION! FEATURES ======================================================================= ---------------------------------------------------------- "A Baroque Odyssey: Cirque's Amazing Journey" A Historia, celebrating Cirque's 30th Anniversary Edited by: Ricky Russo - Atlanta, Georgia (USA) ---------------------------------------------------------- "Those who are able to walk on stilts can roam the earth unstopped by mountains or rivers. They are able to imagine flying and therefore to reach the Isles of the Immortals." – P'ao-Pou Tseu The Cirque du Soleil story is about a group of young people who wanted nothing more than the freedom to dream a dream. Beginning with a street kid from Montreal called Guy Laliberté, it's the tale of individuals who have come forward at special moments in time to move that dream forward, and share it with the world. /// 1979-1980: THE INSPIRATION In the late 1970s, Guy Laliberté attends a concert by Zachary Richard, a musician from New Orleans. The show inspires him to organize a school trip to the city, which proves to be a big success. It's the first time he experiences bringing a group of people together for travel and entertainment, and it sets the teenager on his life path. Chance encounters occur that will galvanize the still unformulated dreams of the people who are to found Cirque du Soleil. It is a time of creative ferment and great energy in Quebec that is gathering momentum. /// 1980-1981: ARTISTS GATHER IN BAIE-SAINT-PAUL Guy Laliberté, barely 20, burns with a desire to entertain and travel. He leaves Montreal for the artist colony of Baie Saint-Paul where he comes together with a group of young street performers who have pooled their talent and dreams and founded “Les Échassiers de Baie-Saint- Paul” (the Baie-Saint-Paul Stiltwalkers). The stiltwalkers’ group also features fire-eaters, jugglers and other buskers. The group includes Gilles Ste-Croix, who will later become Artistic Director of Cirque. Riding the crest of the Quebec street entertainer movement—on a roll since the mid-70s—a group of young stilt-walkers, fire-eaters and assorted mountebanks is born. They are loud, eccentric, brash, impossible to avoid. /// 1981-1982: AN IDEA TAKES FORM In 1982, Guy Laliberté and Gilles Ste-Croix create another association to support their work with the Échassiers de Baie-Saint-Paul: “Le Club des Talons Hauts,” or the High-Heels Club. Through the Club, they decide to organize a street performer's festival, La Fête Foraine de Baie-Saint-Paul. Keeping a neglected tradition alive, they walk on stilts, juggle, and breathe fire to the crowd's obvious delight. This talented group of young Quebec street entertainers has come together under a lucky star. Although a full two years pass before Cirque du Soleil as we know it today is created, its founders say that it was at that mystic moment in Baie Saint-Paul in 1982 that Cirque du Soleil was conceived. The aurora borealis hits Baie Saint-Paul on the first day of La Fête Foraine. The sun has set but the sky is streaked with waves of otherworldly light. Green and silver refractions chase each other across the dome of the sky throughout the performance. /// 1983-1984: LE CIRQUE DU SOLEIL IS BORN In 1984, with the financial assistance of the Quebec government, Cirque du Soleil is officially formed by Guy Laliberté as part of the celebrations surrounding the 450th anniversary of Jacques Cartier's arrival in Canada. Guy is inspired to choose the name by the sun itself, a symbol of youth, energy, power and light. His goal to bring together creative talent to delight new audiences in new locations takes a bold step forward. For the festivities, the newly-formed Cirque presents a totally new concept: a striking, dramatic mix of the circus arts and street entertainment, featuring wild, outrageous costumes, staged under magical lighting and set to original music. With not a single animal in the ring, Cirque's difference is clear from the very start. The show debuts in a little 800 seat blue-and-yellow big top in the small Quebec town of Gaspé, the very same place Mr. Cartier's voyage took him so long ago, as he desperately tried to find a land route through to the Orient. The show was a smashing success and the artists, invigorated by its reception, took their creation on the road performing in 10 other cities throughout the province delighting 30,000 spectators. Cirque becomes a multicultural gathering point, with performers from Quebec, Belgium, Switzerland and Argentina. The crazy dreams of a two friends begin to take wing. And maybe those dreams aren't so crazy after all. Maybe this idea about a different kind of circus is something that audiences will respond to. Maybe it will flourish. Sometimes you just have to trust to fate and follow where your dreams lead you... Youth, boldness, instinct, vision and a certain zany talent are their stock in trade. And Cirque du Soleil hasn’t stopped since! /// 1985–1986: COMMEDIA DELL’ARTE COMES TO THE CIRCUS After performing in Montreal, Sherbrook and Quebec City, Cirque du Soleil leaves its home province for the first time to take its show to neighboring Ontario. It performs in Ottawa, Toronto and Niagara Falls to over 137,000 spectators. The Cirque is made for travelling and the blue and yellow tent quickly becomes a symbol of Quebec youth and artistic energy. Cirque begins to experience a burning desire to return to the circus tradition the esteem and quality it knew at the beginning of the century; therefore, Cirque welcomes Guy Caron as Artistic Director. Guy Caron brings in Franco Dragone to teach Cirque artists commedia dell'arte. Inspired by the best of what is happening internationally, Cirque creates a new theatricality and adopts a vision whereby rules exist only to be broken. The mandate is clear: to produce a European- style professional show anchored in acrobatics, with original music and without animals. From the Chinese they learn about perfecting the blend of presentation, music and choreography, about grace and beauty, gestures and smiles. Cirque draws upon an Impressionistic sensibility, takes everything that had existed in the past, and pulls it into today. In response to all that it has learned, Cirque du Soleil stages La Magie Continue in eight cities across Canada, including Vancouver, where it puts on several performances at the Children's Festival and universal exposition (Expo 86). Cirque du Soleil makes its name on the international stage too, as acts are awarded top honors at competitions and festivals around the world. As interest in Cirque du Soleil grows, so does the big top, which now has room for 1,500 spectators. /// 1987: MAKE OR BREAK IN LOS ANGELES By the end of Le Magie Continue’s tour, over 250,000 spectators have seen the show; however, Cirque finds itself on hard financial times – the Niagara Falls stop is an attendance disaster and losses mount. Undeterred, Cirque du Soleil mounts a new tour - Le Cirque Réinventé (or We Reinvent the Circus, in English) - and visits its American neighbors for the first time. Cirque takes the biggest risk in its history by agreeing to perform at the Los Angeles Festival, without the funds necessary for a return trip home. After years of honing its craft across Québec and in cities throughout Canada, its future depends entirely on being successful in the U.S. market. The gamble pays off. Exhilarated by the Californian public's response, Cirque du Soleil becomes an overnight success. The show is performed in Los Angeles, San Diego and Santa Monica to rave reviews. Cirque du Soleil even appears twice on Johnny Carson's "Tonight Show" program! /// 1988-1989: SUCCESS, WE ARE OFF AND RUNNING! Cirque du Soleil returns to Santa Monica in February, travels to San Francisco in April and expands its U.S. appearances thereafter. The company now comprises 150 people! With the success of Le Cirque Réinventé on the West Coast of the United States, Cirque boldly launches a Midwest and eastern itinerary. After a brief appearance at the Calgary Winter Olympics, the blue and yellow big top pops up in the shadows of the World Trade Center in New York City, spends several weeks dazzling Toronto, then Washington D.C., Chicago and Phoenix. Wherever it goes the result is the same: the performances sell out and the critics rave. By the end of 1988, 796,937 people have now seen Le Cirque Réinventé, including patrons in Cirque's home town. Despite the cold Canadian winter, the company ends its 1988 tour at home in Montreal. There, as well as all over the continent, Cirque du Soleil wins many awards for its entrepreneurship and its innovative and creative spirit: including Emmy, Drama Desk, Bambi and Ace awards, Gémeaux and Félix trophies, and a Rose d'Or de Montreux. Cirque du Soleil's performers have taken part in and won several awards at various festivals throughout the world, including the Festival international du cirque de Monte-Carlo, the Festival mondial du cirque de demain (France), the Festival international de cirque de Vérone (Italy), the Festival international de cirque de Gênes (Italy), and the Wuhan International Acrobatic Art Festival (China). In 1989, Miami, Chicago and Phoenix are added to the tour and another 405,950 spectators revel in the performance. The Cirque is featured in Vanity Fair, Time, Life, People, Newsweek, and Maclean's and in newspapers such as the New York Times, the San Francisco Chronicle, the Washington Post and USA Today. Even the major television networks are on the beat. And Cirque du Soleil keeps on rolling! The year marks the end of Cirque du Soleil's original "five-year plan". "What will the next five years bring?", Cirque du Soleil asks. And would these years eclipse those that came before it? /// 1990: A NEW LEVEL OF THEATRICALITY Buoyed by its growing success, Cirque du Soleil begins attracting artists from around the world, particularly Russians whose proud circus and acrobatic tradition makes a valuable contribution. Montreal is the setting for the world premiere of Cirque's most successful show yet, Nouvelle Expérience, in a new, 2,500-seat big top. With this new production, Cirque du Soleil shatters all previous records for ticket sales, and it decides to make its first foray into Europe, staging "We Reinvent the Circus" in London and Paris. Although not runaway successes (approximately 161,102 spectators see the show in both cities), the overseas excursions have just begun. Franco Dragoné becomes Director, pushing Cirque's theatricality to new limits. His impact is enormous: Franco's theatrical vision will inform Cirque's approach for many years to come. Key to Franco's indelible stamp will be his successful creative association with set designer Michel Crête and, later, costume designer Dominique Lemieux. They will work together on every show until "O," after which new creators will take up the challenge. Suddenly it begins to happen. The show, like a reluctant spirit hounded by a posse of mediums, slowly reveals itself. An organic resonance emerges: each act finds its place, a succession of moments as fleeting as they are eternal. Long before the house lights go down and the excitement begins to build under the Grand Chapiteau, designers and craftspeople have put in months of work behind the scenes to create the perfect costumes and makeup to bring life to a cast of characters. /// 1991-1992: THE MAGIC CONTINUES In 1991, Nouvelle Expérience continues on its travels across North America, opening up new cities - like Atlanta – for Cirque du Soleil. By the end of an extensive 19-month tour of Canada and the United States, 1.3 million (1,212,926) spectators have cheered the show. Long before the house lights go down and the excitement begins to build under the Grand Chapiteau, designers and craftspeople have put in months of work behind the scenes to create the perfect costumes and makeup to bring life to a cast of characters. Their work is about to pay off in ways they cannot yet imagine. Cirque du Soleil crosses the Pacific and makes a name for itself in the Land of the Rising Sun with Fascination, a collage of the best acts from Le Cirque Réinventé and Nouvelle Expérience. The show opens in Tokyo and then moves on to seven other cities, for a total of 118 performances in four months. Over 560,000 (569,883) people see the show. Meanwhile, in Europe, Cirque du Soleil joins forces with Switzerland's Circus Knie and stages a version of Le Cirque Réinventé (modified to include animals) in over 60 towns throughout the country. In North America, 1992 sees Cirque du Soleil make its Las Vegas debut when Nouvelle Expérience kicks off a year-long engagement under a big top at the Mirage Hotel. Already juggling several productions, Cirque du Soleil adds a monument to its repertoire of shows: Saltimbanco. Premiering in Montreal, this latest production is a celebration of life. Designed as an antidote to the violence and despair of the 20th century, this phantasmagoric show offers an alternative view of the urban environment brimming with optimism and joy. /// 1993: CIRQUE PLANTS A FLOWER IN THE DESERT In 1992, Nouvelle Expérience kicks off a year-long engagement under a big top at the Mirage Hotel. Having seen Cirque du Soleil in action, and following Nouvelle Expérience's successful run at the Mirage, the president of Mirage Resorts in Las Vegas (Steve Wynn) makes an offer: why not bring Cirque du Soleil to a permanent installation in Las Vegas? Cirque responds to the challenge of staging a show outside the traditional big top and resolves, in its own words, to "plant a flower in the desert." On Christmas Day 1993, Mystère premieres at the Treasure Island hotel in Las Vegas, setting a new standard and changing the way live entertainment is presented in Las Vegas. Mystère's message is universal because movement, music and humor are universal. Mystère is so richly diverse that it can be experienced over and over again, every performance revealing something new and extraordinary. Be obnoxious. Be stupid. Be sweet. Be nasty. Be masculine, feminine, and androgynous. Be amazing. By year's end Saltimbanco completes its 19- month North American Tour of a dozen cities and receives resounding ovations from 1.4 million (1,416,359) spectators. /// 1994-1995: A BAROQUE ODYSSEY (10 Years) Cirque du Soleil celebrates its 10th anniversary by staging Alegría in 1994. True to tradition, the two-year North American tour is launched in Montreal. Meanwhile, Mystère continues to create a sensation in Las Vegas (683,294 people see the show) and Saltimbanco embarks on a six- month run in Tokyo that attracts a great deal of attention (and spectators; 557,851 see Saltimbanco in Tokyo). While Alegría pursues its triumphant North American tour, Cirque du Soleil responds to a request from the Canadian government to create a show for the heads of state gathered at the G7 Summit in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Also in 1995, Saltimbanco sets out to conquer Europe. Cirque's spectacular white big top with seating for 2,500 spectators makes its first stop in Amsterdam, followed by Munich, Berlin, Düsseldorf, and Vienna. Amsterdam becomes the site of Cirque du Soleil's European Headquarters. /// 1996-1997: A NEW HOME Cirque du Soleil now has three concurrent shows running: Saltimbanco, Mystère and Alegría. By April, Cirque launches its fourth - Quidam – in Montreal. After finishing its hometown run, Quidam heads off on a three-year North American tour. Meanwhile, Saltimbanco continues its European tour, with stops in London, Hamburg, Stuttgart, Antwerp, Zurich and Frankfurt, while Alegría sets out to tour Asia. Audiences flock to the Grand Chapiteaus in ever-greater numbers. As its repertoire grows, Cirque du Soleil decides that its artists must have a single home in which to gather, create, rehearse, and dream; therefore, "The Studio", Cirque's new International Headquarters in Montreal, is born. The move, carried out over three weekends, goes very smoothly, and all 500+ employees are now ensconced in the new Studio. After a few last-minute adjustments, everyone is able to get down to work. All of the shows will be created and produced in the new facility. Construction of the Headquarters represented an investment of approximately 40 million dollars. Quidam continues to capture the hearts of North American spectators, adding two new cities, Denver and Houston, to the tour. On the other side of the Atlantic: After five years of touring, the curtain falls on Saltimbanco at London's Royal Albert Hall, marking the end of a two-year European tour (February 1, 1997). Fresh from its Asian tour, Alegría takes on Europe. And Cirque du Soleil joins forces with Pomp Duck and Circumstance, an original dinner-theatre show. Due to expansion Cirque opens up four regional headquarters: the Americas, Asia-Pacific, Europe (Amsterdam), and Las Vegas. Cirque sets new benchmarks with the birth of a multimedia division - Cirque du Soleil Images (replacing Télémajik) - and the announcement of two monumental projects: a feature-length film (Alegría) and a large-format (IMAX) film, which will feature performances by various Cirque du Soleil artists in natural and historic sites around the world. /// 1998-1999: NEW BENCHMARKS (15 Years) While Alegría pursues its journey across Europe, Quidam finishes up its North American tour, which includes a stopover in Dallas, a first for Cirque du Soleil. During its three-year tour, almost 1,000 performances have been held under the blue-and-yellow big top. All in all, over 2,500,000 North American spectators have applauded Quidam. And unable to quash its celebration of life, Cirque du Soleil restages Saltimbanco in Ottawa for a few weeks before sending it off on an Asia-Pacific tour scheduled to last three years. In response, Singapore becomes the site of Cirque du Soleil's Asia-Pacific headquarters. Inspired by the success of Mystère, Steve Wynn, the president of Mirage Resorts, invites Cirque to Las Vegas to mount "O", Cirque's first aquatic show, in a specially constructed theatre at the Bellagio Resort. Opening in October 1998, "O" sets a new benchmark for excellence in theatrical entertainment everywhere. And after almost 10 years of discussion, Cirque du Soleil finally teams with Disney to present La Nouba in Orlando. The agreement occurs after direct intervention from Michael Eisner, chairman and CEO of Disney, who concedes to Cirque's long-maintained insistence that it retain creative control. Moreover, a custom-made theatre is built for Cirque’s unique requirements. The show opens in December to rave reviews. While artists get used to their new home in Orlando, Saltimbanco sets up shop in Asia and the Pacific, beginning a three-year tour of the region in Sydney, Australia. In March, Quidam embarks on a four-year European tour in Amsterdam. By April, a brand new production is created in Montreal announcing the start of the next North American tour: Dralion. Dralion is an unprecedented fusion of ancient Chinese acrobatic traditions and the avant-garde approach of Cirque du Soleil, paying homage to the four elements - earth, air, fire and water – which take on human form and rule worlds defined by their individual vivid colors. The show's creation marks the return of Guy Caron to Cirque du Soleil's shores. And in May, Alegría, which has already dazzled audiences on three continents, finds a permanent home at Beau Rivage, a new Mirage resort in Biloxi, Mississippi. Cirque’s plans become even more ambitious with the release of its first feature film: Alegria. In the film, the magical spellbinding universe of Cirque du Soleil becomes the backdrop for a tender love story between a street performer (Frac) and the lead singer of a travelling circus (Giulietta). Franco Dragone directs. Its dynamic team also produces "Cirque du Soleil Presents Quidam", a spectacular television version of the show to be aired around the globe. /// 2000: CELEBRATING THE MILLENNIUM Audiences on three continents continue to marvel at Cirque du Soleil's four resident shows (La Nouba, Mystère, "O" and Alegría) and three touring productions (Saltimbanco, Quidam and Dralion); in the year alone, close to 6 million spectators will attend Cirque du Soleil shows worldwide. By October, Alegría leaves its home at the Beau Rivage and prepares to embark on an Asia/Pacific tour beginning in Australia. Dralion continues to make its way across North America and provides yet another backdrop for a special TV Production, which earns Cirque du Soleil three Primetime Emmy Awards the following year. Cirque’s performances continue to be a unique balance of physical strength, art and beauty, deeply ingrained with audacity. With Gilles' historic stilt walkathon from Baie-Saint-Paul to Quebec City, Guy Caron's artistic instincts, and Guy Laliberté's go-for-broke gambling spirit, it's been there from the beginning. It's stitched into the very fabric of the Grand Chapiteau. But Cirque also begins looking beyond live entertainment for new means to share their which wonder, joy and creativity. After a grand premiere in Berlin in January, the Cirque launches its first-ever large-format IMAX production in North America by May: Cirque du Soleil - Journey of Man ("Passages" in French). Distributed by Sony Pictures Classics, after a grand premiere in the film will opens in Montreal, New York and Los Angeles before moving on to other markets. Since 1984, more than 23 million people from around the world have seen one of Cirque du Soleil's productions. On a typical weekend in 2000, some 50,000 people will see one of Cirque's several shows being staged simultaneously around the world. Cirque employed more than 2,100 people, including 500 performers, from several countries. The average age of Cirque du Soleil employees is 32. /// 2001-2002: THE DAWN OF A NEW ERA Cirque du Soleil keeps on growing with the inauguration of a 14,000- square-metre addition to its International Headquarters in Montreal. In addition, Alegría kicks off a three-year tour of the immense Asia- Pacific region in Auckland, New Zealand. Six other shows continue to dazzle audiences across the world: Saltimbanco in Japan, Mystère in Las Vegas, «O» in Las Vegas, La Nouba at the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida, Quidam in Europe, and Dralion in the United States. On October 30, 2001, Cirque du Soleil released its entire show catalogue onto DVD: La Magie Continue, Le Cirque Réinventé, Nouvelle Expérience, and Saltimbanco as well as Journey of Man and Baroque Odyssey (the 10th Anniversary documentary). A few days later, "Cirque du Soleil presents: Alegría", a special 90-minute television production of its signature show, premieres on TV. And, by year’s end, 6 million people or more will have attended a Cirque show worldwide. Cirque du Soleil wows its largest audience ever when it presents a one-of-a-kind performance at the 74th Annual Academy Awards held on March 24, 2002 at Grumman’s Chinese Theater in Hollywood, California. The reaction is electrifying, breaking records at Cirque du Soleil's website. A month later, Varekai, directed by first-time Cirque director Dominic Champagne in collaboration with twelve other talented creators, began its journey, joining Dralion across North America. During the creation process, a film crew shot a reality-TV series about some of the show's performers and their struggles during its development. The series – Fire Within - would air the following year. In June, Alegría returned to North American soil for a two-year long run in select cities across Canada, the United States and, for the first time in history, in Latin America - Mexico. Alegría is later joined by Quidam, while Saltimbanco continued playing to audiences throughout Europe. And by year's end, an announcement of yet another resident show for Las Vegas had many fans' appetite whet for something a little more risqué - Zumanity, another side of Cirque du Soleil. /// 2003: ANOTHER SIDE OF CIRQUE DU SOLEIL After touring select cities across the United States and Canada, Quidam once again bids adieu to North America and embarked on a year- long tour of Japan, the Land of the Rising Sun, visiting Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya and Fukuoka. Alegría continued its second North American Tour, joining Varekai and Dralion. In cooperation with Cirque du Soleil Images, the television documentary series "Fire Within" airs in the United States; an intimate and revealing behind-the-scenes look at the effort and struggles during the creation of Varekai. The series wins an Emmy award plus two Gemini awards. The show - Varekai - itself was filmed late in its run in Toronto and released to home markets in autumn. And while Quidam tours Japan throughout the year, by summer (July) the adults-only show ZUMANITY premieres at the New York-New York Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas. Created by Dominic Chapagne and René Richard Cyr, it's the first Cirque du Soleil production for adults only. Zumanity joines Mystère and «O» on the Las Vegas Strip. By year's end, Cirque du Soleil films "Solstrom", a 13-part family- oriented television variety series that merges acrobatic acts with dramatic comedy, features over 250 artists in over 130 acts from many of Cirque du Soleil shows and includes a number of celebrity guest performances. /// 2004-2005: SOLEIL DE MINUIT (20 Years) Cirque celebrates its 20th anniversary in the streets of their hometown through a spectacular live musical event. A recording of this event is later broadcast under the name "Midnight Sun" (Soleil de Minuit) and released onto DVD. During the festivities Cirque sets a new record for the Guinness Book of World Records gathering 544 employees at Headquarters to stilt walk. In business, Cirque du Soleil Musique is launched in September. It is a record company dedicated to the creation, production, and marketing of the music associated with current and future Cirque du Soleil shows, and to the career development of emerging artists from around the world. On tour, Dralion leaves North America bound for Europe at the beginning of the year, where it will complete an extensive multi-year tour. Alegría continued its North American Tour, but by year's end, the show is bound for Tokyo and the rest of Japan. Quidam, which would end its Japanese Tour in the early months of the year, returned to Canada for a two-city run before embarking on a year-long tour throughout Australia/New Zealand. And, in November, the biggest most epic show in Cirque’s history is born. Directed by Robert LePage, KÀ is launched at the MGM Grand Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada. The following year, Celebrity Cruises unveils a unique concept of on- board entertainment developed by Cirque du Soleil on two of its cruise ships. This concept, "The Bar at the Edge of the Earth", featured unique dining fare with a Cirque du Soleil flair. Cirque also created and performed the special "Reflections in Blue" (Réflexions de bleu), a unique one-night water show as part of the opening ceremonies for the XI FINA World Aquatics Championships in Montreal, Canada. And the first touring show in three years is launched in Montreal. Directed by Daniele Finzi Pasca, the Italian-born director takes Cirque du Soleil through the funeral of a clown in Corteo. Cirque du Soleil Images films Corteo during its Toronto stop-over, later premiering on CBC/BRAVO and released onto DVD. /// 2006: CIRQUE IN CONCERT Taking the stage in January is DELIRIUM. Created and directed by Michel Lemieux & Victor Pilon, this interesting concept features remixed Cirque music and the company’s signature acrobatic style melded to create a musical experience unmatched. DELIRIUM would begin touring arenas throughout the United States before hopping the pond to Europe. Later in the year, LOVE, a creation celebrating the musical legacy of The Beatles opens at The Mirage Casino-Hotel in Las Vegas. The show becomes Cirque's fifth resident show in Las Vegas and the first official collaboration with the BEATLES since their last public performance on January 30, 1969. LOVE features a first for Cirque du Soleil - no live music - using original Beatles tracks mixed and re- arranged by Sir George Martin and his son Giles Martin. During this time, after touring in North America, Europe, Asia and Australia, Cirque du Soleil has set out to make a name for itself in South America by presenting its show Saltimbanco in Chile, Argentina and Brazil. Saltimbanco, after conquering South America, ends its almost 15 years on tour under the grand chapiteau in Rio de Janiero. Meanwhile, La Nouba celebrates its 5 Millionth Guest and the company attempts to create a new version of Zumanity for Miami Beach.By year’s end, Cirque du Soleil enters into an exclusive agreement with CKX Inc. — through its subsidiary Elvis Presley Enterprises — for the creation, development, production and promotion of Elvis Presley projects, featuring touring and resident shows, as well as multimedia interactive “Elvis experiences,” throughout the world. The first of these projects is slated to debut in 2009 at the MGM City Center complex in Las Vegas. /// 2007 – CIRQUE TAKES MANHATTAN? DELIRIUM concludes its two-year tour in the United States and begins wowing audiences in some never-before-visited cities across Europe. The premiere of Koozå in April launches Cirque du Soleil's 13th touring production (18th overall) since 1984. Directed by David Shiner, Koozå returns Cirque du Soleil to its acrobatic roots. Saltimbanco is re-staged in the arena format and begins touring the United States and Canada by summer. And in November, Wintuk, Cirque du Soleil's first "seasonal" show (as it runs for a few short weeks in the winter) premieres at Madison Square Garden's WAMU Theater. In media, Cirque du Soleil releases three documentary DVDs: "The Mystery of Mystère", "FLOW: A Tribute to the Artists of «O»" and "A Thrilling Ride through Koozå", which take us behind the scenes of these fascinating shows. Cirque presented a Pre-Game Show at Super Bowl XLI, the American football game to decide the National Football League (NFL) champion for the 2006 season at Dolphin Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. This performance was produced by David Saltz. And Cirque du Soleil has also launched a fiction/non-fiction book entitled The Spark, which invites readers to discover the power of creativity and imagination and apply it in their own lives. Written by John Bacon and based on an original idea by Lyn Heward, the book is distributed in several countries. In business, Cirque du Soleil announced that it is partnering with Nakheel (the world's top private property developer) with a view to creating the first resident show on The Palm Jumeirah in Dubai, in 2011. The following year, Istithmar World Capital, the investment arm of Dubai World, and Nakheel acquired a 20% stake in Cirque du Soleil. And, on September 25th, Cirque du Soleil's contortionists, Natasha Patterson (10), Julie Bergez (14), and Dasha Sovik (15) who perform in Koozå, set a new Guinness World Record for the Highest Circus Act ever performed at the top of Toronto's CN Tower, the World's Tallest Freestanding Tower. This feat was performed in the Glass Floor observation deck, 342 meters (1,122 feet) above the ground and as high up on Toronto's CN Tower. /// 2008 – CIRQUE BELIEVES IN ASIA Having conquered North America, Europe and Australia, Cirque du Soleil looks to expand its presence throughout Asia in a huge way. First, through the launch of two new resident shows – the first shows of their kind outside the United States of America: ZAIA, a production for The Venetian Hotel & Casino on the Cotai Strip in Macao, China; and ZED, a production for the Tokyo Disney Resort in Tokyo, Japan. In order to further finance the company’s goals, Cirque du Soleil sells a 20% stake in the company to two investment groups out of Dubai. The agreement allows Cirque to keep control of their creative challenges and operations while accelerating their growth doing projects all over the world. Nakheel and Istithmar are part of Dubai World, a diversified holding company owned by the government of Dubai. The company also unveiled long term plans to establish its brand in Russia, through the creation of Cirque du Soleil Rus., a Russian LLC company having the exclusive rights to the Russian territory. Also launched was “Criss Angel – beLIEve” at the Luxor Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, the first production to involve a celebrity and star in his own right. DELIRIUM, which held its last concert in London on April 19th, finds its way into movie theatres for a big-screen format special. Cirque du Soleil's tribute to The Beatles ”A Day In The Life” and Carol Woods & Timmy Mitchums (from "Across the Universe") performance of "Let It Be" garners attention at the 50th Annual Grammy Awards in Los Angeles, California. And Cirque also performs "Awakening of the Serpent" for Expo 2008 in Zaragoza, Spain. /// 2009: LE RÊVE CONTINUE (25 Years) Alegría, which has wowed millions under the grand chapiteau across North America, Europe, Asia, Australia, and Central and South America, begins life anew in arenas this year. Like Saltimbanco before it, Alegría embarks on a new two-year North American tour. To celebrate Cirque du Soleil's 25th anniversary, a new touring show featuring insects, Brazilian music and vibes premieres in Montreal. Directed by Debra Colker, OVO is a headlong rush into a colorful ecosystem teeming with life, where insects work, eat, crawl, flutter, play, fight and look for love in a non-stop riot of energy and movement. The publication of a book on Cirque costumes and the launch of a double CD containing a music compilation, are among other commemorative activities of this anniversary. Guy Laliberté also becomes the first Canadian private space explorer. Under the theme Moving Stars and Earth for Water, this Poetic Social Mission in space aimed at touching people through an artistic approach: a special 120-minute webcast program featuring various artistic performances unfolding in 14 cities on five continents, including the International Space Station is had, all to raise awareness on water issues facing humankind on planet earth. The “mission” brings about the formation of ONE DROP. Cirque also branches out into the realm of fitness with the launch of an innovative gym workout – JUKARI Fit to Fly. JUKARI makes fitness fun again by introducing a new way to move in a gym workout and is accessible to all women, regardless of fitness levels. The hour-long workout has been created on a specially-designed piece of equipment called the FlySet. The result is a workout that gives the sensation of flying while strengthening and lengthening the body through cardio, strength, balance and core training. /// 2010-2011: CIRQUE SLIPS ON ITS OWN SHPEEL During this period, Cirque du Soleil launches six new production (three per year): VIVA ELVIS, presented at ARIA Resort & Casino, becomes Cirque du Soleil's seventh resident show in Las Vegas; BANANA SHPEEL, Cirque's twist on Vaudeville, arrives at the Beacon Theatre after a preview run at Chicago Theatre; TOTEM, a look at human evolution by director Robert LePage, celebrates its world premiere in Montreal; ZARKANA, written and directed by acclaimed film and theatre director François Girard, begins its run at the legendary Radio City Music Hall in New York City; IRIS, written and directed by director- choreographer Philippe Decouflé, is created exclusively for the Kodak Theatre at the Hollywood & Highland Center; and Michael Jackson THE IMMORTAL World Tour, written and directed by Jamie King, begins touring in arenas throughout North America. In other arenas: Cirque du Soleil’s Founder - Guy Laliberté - gets a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, the company holds a presence at Expo 2010 in Shanghai, helps Microsoft launch “Project Natal” (Kinect), partners with Cirque Éloize, exhibits its costumes through a special tour (Dream Weavers), launches a highly successful party in the streets of Quebec City (Les Chemins Invisibles), and more! /// 2012-2013: THE CIRQUE RESTRUCTURES & MOURNS Although Cirque du Soleil would launch Amaluna, a new touring show in Montreal, collaborate with pop star Madonna in the scope of her performance at the Super Bowl XLVI halftime show, and find itself on the IMAX screen through the efforts of James Cameron (Worlds Away 3D), the company’s unprecedented run of opening new shows in an uncertain global economy would finally catch up with the entertainment company. Cirque announces it will slash a number of positions citing tough economic times and out of control expenses. A problem, Cirque spokeswoman Renée-Claude Ménard admitted, the company had avoided facing for several years, but now had no choice. In addition to the layoffs, Cirque said it would be closing shows to trim expenses. o) ZAIA closes in early 2012 following the down-turn in the global economy (and lack-luster ticket sales during its run.) Some suggest Cirque du Soleil did not come to understand its Asian audience, as the show was never popular. o) VIVA ELVIS, which held a lot of promise at the time of its 2009 launch, was unable to find an audience (many reviews 3 were poor) and was closed at the end of summer 2012 at the behest of its host hotel, Aria. o) SALTIMBANCO, at the end of a magnificent 20-year run – and two previous rebirths – is placed on hiatus (effectively closing the show) at the end of 2012. Although Saltimbanco's closing might be viewed as cost-saving measure (Cirque was not profitable in 2012), the show had been rumored to close for some time. o) IRIS, despite phenomenal reviews and enthusiastic audience response, demand for tickets had not met projections, thus the show held its final performance on January 19, 2013. o) ALEGRIA, a true victim of Cirque du Soleil's budget woes, was closed rather unceremoniously in Spain on December 22, 2013. The Cirque family would also face hardships outside of its financial struggles, when a tragedy took 31-year-old artist Sarah Guyard- Guillot’s life unexpectedly during a live performance of KÀ. Though the death was ruled an accident, a faulty harness clip was determined to be the root cause. Her death – and other artist injuries around the same time – would shake Cirque’s confidence in its safety procedures. KÀ would go dark for several weeks. Although Guyard-Guillot’s death was the first such reported from an accident onstage in the company’s 30-year history, there were a number of bright spots for Cirque to celebrate as well. Following in the successful footsteps of Michael Jackson THE IMMORTAL World Tour, and after much anticipation throughout the entertainment community, the Michael Jackson’s estate and Cirque unveiled Michael Jackson ONE, directed by Jamie King, to be presented exclusively at Mandalay Bay. Michael Jackson ONE would join a newly transplanted ZARKANA at Aria as Cirque’s newest shows in Las Vegas. ONE NIGHT FOR ONE DROP would also make its debut. For one extraordinary night, and in an unprecedented manner, seven Cirque du Soleil Las Vegas resident productions became one for ONE DROP, the non-profit organization established by Guy Laliberté for the conservation of water. The evening featured more than 230 artists (and other guest performers) in an once-in-a-lifetime performance on World Water Day, Friday, March 22, 2013, at the "O" Theatre at Bellagio Resort & Casino. Cirque was active outside of Las Vegas too: SCALADA, a unique and free outdoor event, was developed by Cirque for the Principality of Andorra; its acrobats helped introduce the Infinity Q50 in one of the more creative car reveals during the North American International Auto Show; and, debuts DREAMSEEKER, a visually-stunning float for the 87th Annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City. /// 2014 – WALKING A TIGHT ROPE (30 Years) After suffering a number of setbacks, show closings, and layoffs of 400+ of its creative staff in recent years, where does Cirque go from here? Anywhere it pleases, it seems, and without delay. From the launch of KURIOS: CABINET OF CURIOSITIES (the company’s 35th production) to the numerous partnership announcements it’s already made, the Cirque has a number of opportunities already lined up: First, Saban Brands and Cirque du Soleil Media enter into a pact to develop a children’s-entertainment property based on elements from the live-entertainment company’s long-running productions. The deal includes a new television series, web content, interactive content, and merchandise, appropriate for children at the pre-school level or older. Next, Cirque announces the creation of a new division - Cirque du Soleil Theatrical – which will develop unique theatrical opportunities for the Cirque. Based on traditional theatrical practices, these new productions will be created using the Cirque du Soleil signature style and aesthetic but will provide a very different experience for Cirque du Soleil audiences. This new division will be based in New York City and will continue to promote Cirque du Soleil's on-going strategy of diversifying its content and live-entertainment activities worldwide. Then, Cirque du Soleil and Grupo Vidanta (a leading developer of world-class resorts and tourism infrastructure in Mexico) announces plans to introduce a new brand of cultural and culinary entertainment to Mexico and Latin America: a brand-new show. JOYÀ, the 70-minute show will be performed eight times a week year-round in the custom- built, 600-seat Vidanta Theater currently under construction across the street from Grupo Vidanta’s complex of four resorts (Grand Luxxe, Grand Bliss, Grand Mayan and Mayan Palace) in the Riviera Maya between Cancun and Playa del Carmen. And most recently, a partnership agreement with Academy Award-winning filmmaker James Cameron to develop an arena-touring show inspired by the world of AVATAR. This "live experience", announced during the international business C2MTL– Commerce + Creativity Conference in Montreal, is slated to debut sometime late 2015, featuring the creative signature drive of Cirque du Soleil in association with Cameron’s and Jon Landau’s Lightstorm Entertainment. Although nobody knows what we're in store for, the show is expected to debut before the first of three upcoming AVATAR sequels. Where Cirque du Soleil will go next is anyone’s guess! # # # The international success story known as Cirque du Soleil is, above all, the story of a remarkable bond between performers and spectators the world over. For at the end of the day, it is the spectators who spark the creative passions of Cirque du Soleil. So long as we keep our sense of excitement at discovering new paths, we’ll never lose our determination to share that excitement with every audience, at every performance. Today, we have our place in the sun and a roof over our heads, but once upon a time the street was our home. I would say we took a little dusty carpet and shook it out pretty well we’ve shown the world that under the dust, something exceptional is coming out of contemporary circus. My mission has not yet been accomplished. I still have a lot of entertaining to do. As the future approaches, Cirque prepares to embark on new projects and connect with new audiences everywhere. Dreams never die. Come along as they take on new forms! (Guy Laliberte) And the magic continues... ======================================================================= COPYRIGHT AND DISCLAIMER ======================================================================= Fascination! Newsletter Volume 14, Number 6 (Issue #125) - June 2014 "Fascination! Newsletter" is a concept by Ricky Russo. Copyright (c) 2001-2014 Ricky Russo, published by Vortex/RGR Productions, a subsidiary of Communicore Enterprises. No portion of this newsletter can be reproduced, published in any form or forum, quoted or translated without the consent of the "Fascination! Newsletter." By sending us correspondence, you give us permission (unless otherwise noted) to use the submission as we see fit, without remuneration. All submissions become the property of the "Fascination! Newsletter." "Fascination! Newsletter" is not affiliated in any way with Cirque du Soleil. Cirque du Soleil and all its creations are Copyright (c) and are registered trademarks (TM) of Cirque du Soleil, Inc., and Créations Méandres, Inc. All Rights Reserved. No copyright infringement intended. { Jun.06.2014 } =======================================================================