Cirque du Soleil

Cirque du Soleil
Private company
Industry Entertainment
Founded 1984
Founder Guy Laliberté
Gilles Ste-Croix
Daniel Gauthier
Rachel Vertus
Headquarters Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Area served
 Worldwide
Key people
 Daniel Lamarre, President and CEO
Revenue Increase C$850 million (FY 2010)[1]
Number of employees
 5,022
Divisions Cirque du Soleil Images, Cirque du Soleil's Merchandising
Subsidiaries Cirque du Soleil Musique
Website www.cirquedusoleil.com

Cirque du Soleil (pronounced: [siʁk dy sɔ.lɛj], "Circus of the Sun") is a Canadian entertainment company. It is the largest theatrical producer in the world.[2] Based in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, and located in the inner-city area of Saint-Michel, it was founded in Baie-Saint-Paul in 1984 by two former street performers, Guy Laliberté and Gilles Ste-Croix.[3]

Initially named Les Échassiers ([lez‿e.ʃa.sje], "The Waders"), they toured Quebec in 1980 as a performing troupe. Their initial financial hardship was relieved in 1983 by a government grant from the Canada Council for the Arts, as part of the 450th anniversary celebrations of Jacques Cartier's voyage to Canada.[4] Le Grand Tour du Cirque du Soleil was a success in 1984, and after securing a second year of funding, Laliberté hired Guy Caron from the National Circus School to re-create it as a "proper circus". Its theatrical, character-driven approach and the absence of performing animals helped define Cirque du Soleil as the contemporary circus ("nouveau cirque") that it remains today.[5]

Each show is a synthesis of circus styles from around the world, with its own central theme and storyline. Shows employ continuous live music, with performers rather than stagehands changing the props. After financial successes and failures in the late 1980s, Nouvelle Expérience was created – with the direction of Franco Dragone – which not only made Cirque du Soleil profitable by 1990, but allowed it to create new shows.[6]

Cirque du Soleil expanded rapidly through the 1990s and 2000s, going from one show to 19 shows in over 271 cities on every continent except Antarctica. The shows employ approximately 4,000 people from over 40 countries and generate an estimated annual revenue exceeding US$810 million.[7][8] The multiple permanent Las Vegas shows alone play to more than 9,000 people a night, 5% of the city's visitors, adding to the 90 million people who have experienced Cirque du Soleil's shows worldwide.[8]

In 2000, Laliberté bought out Gauthier, and with 95% ownership, has continued to expand the brand.[9] In 2008, Laliberté split 20% of his share equally between two investment groups Istithmar World and Nakheel of Dubai, in order to further finance the company's goals. In partnership with these two groups, Cirque du Soleil had planned to build a residency show in the United Arab Emirates in 2012 directed by Guy Caron (Dralion) and Michael Curry.[10] But since Dubai's financial problems in 2010 caused by the 2008 recession, it was stated by Laliberté that the project has been "put on ice"[11] for the time being and may be looking for another financial partner to bankroll the company's future plans, even willing to give up another 10% of his share.[11] Several more shows are in development around the world, along with a television deal, women's clothing line and the possible venture into other mediums such as spas, restaurants and nightclubs.[12] Cirque du Soleil also produces a small number of private and corporate events each year (past clients have been the royal family of Dubai and the 2007 Super Bowl).[13]

The company's creations have received numerous prizes and distinctions, including a Bambi Award in 1997, a Rose d'Or in 1989, three Drama Desk Awards in 1991, 1998 and 2013, three Gemini Awards, four Primetime Emmy Awards,[14][15] and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.[16] In 2000, Cirque du Soleil was awarded the National Arts Centre Award, a companion award of the Governor General's Performing Arts Awards.[17] In 2002, Cirque du Soleil was inducted into Canada's Walk of Fame.

In 2015, TPG Capital, Fosun Capital Group and Caisse de depot et placement du Quebec purchased 90% of Cirque du Soleil.[18] The sale received regulatory approval from the Government of Canada on 30 June 2015.[19]

Origins

At age 18, interested in pursuing some kind of performing career, Guy Laliberté quit college and left home. He toured Europe as a folk musician and busker. By the time he returned home to Canada in 1979, he had learned the art of fire breathing. Although he became "employed" at a hydroelectric power plant in James Bay, his job ended after only three days due to a labour strike. He decided not to look for another job, instead supporting himself on his unemployment insurance. He helped organize a summer fair in Baie-Saint-Paul with the help of a pair of friends named Daniel Gauthier and Gilles Ste-Croix.[6][9]

Gauthier and Ste-Croix were managing a youth hostel for performing artists named Le Balcon Vert at that time. By the summer of 1979, Ste-Croix had been developing the idea of turning the Balcon Vert, and the talented performers who lived there, into an organized performing troupe. As part of a publicity stunt to convince the Quebec government to help fund his production, Ste-Croix walked the 56 miles (90 km) from Baie-Saint-Paul to Quebec City on stilts. The ploy worked, giving the three men the money to create Les Échassiers de Baie-Saint-Paul. Employing many of the people who would later make up Cirque du Soleil, Les Échassiers toured Quebec during the summer of 1980.[20][21]

Although well received by audiences and critics alike, Les Échassiers was a financial failure. Laliberté spent that winter in Hawaii plying his trade while Ste-Croix stayed in Quebec to set up a nonprofit holding company named "The High-Heeled Club" to mitigate the losses of the previous summer. In 1981, they met with better results. By that fall, Les Échassiers de Baie-Saint-Paul had broken even. The success inspired Laliberté and Ste-Croix to organize a summer fair in their hometown of Baie-Saint-Paul.[20]

This touring festival, called "La Fête Foraine", first took place in July 1982. La Fête Foraine featured workshops to teach the circus arts to the public, after which those who participated could take part in a performance. Ironically, the festival was barred from its own hosting town after complaints from local citizens.[22] Laliberté managed and produced the fair over the next couple years, nurturing it into a moderate financial success. But it was in 1983 that the government of Quebec gave him a $1.5 million grant to host a production the following year as part of Quebec's 450th anniversary celebration of the French explorer Jacques Cartier's discovery of Canada. Laliberté named his creation "Le Grand Tour du Cirque du Soleil".[6][23]

Shows

The duration of each touring show was traditionally split into two acts of an hour each separated by a 30-minute interval; however, as of 2014, due to cost cutting issues, the shows have now been reduced to a shorter 55-minute first act followed by a 50-minute second act, still including a 30-minute interval. Permanent shows are usually 90 minutes in length without any intermission. This excludes Joyà (the permanent show in Riviera Maya, Mexico), which is only 70 minutes in length. Typically touring shows as well as resident shows perform a standard 10 shows a week. Touring shows usually have one 'dark day' (with no performances) while resident shows have two.

Le Grand Tour du Cirque du Soleil

On stage at the 1993 finale of Nouvelle Expérience

Originally intended to only be a one-year project, Cirque du Soleil was scheduled to perform in 11 towns in Quebec over the course of 13 weeks running concurrent with the third La Fête Foraine. The first shows were riddled with difficulty, starting with the collapse of the big top after the increased weight of rainwater caused the central mast to snap. Working with a borrowed tent, Laliberté then had to contend with difficulties with the European performers. They were so unhappy with the Quebec circus's inexperience that they had, at one point, sent a letter to the media complaining about how they were being treated.[6]

The problems were only transient, however, and by the time 1984 had come to a close, Le Grand Tour du Cirque du Soleil was a success. Having only $60,000 left in the bank, Laliberté went back to the Canadian government to secure funding for a second year. While the Canadian federal government was enthusiastic, the Quebec provincial government was resistant to the idea. It was not until Quebec's premier, René Lévesque, intervened on their behalf that the provincial government relented.[6] The original big top tent that was used during the 1984 Le Grand Tour du Cirque du Soleil tour can now be seen at Carnivàle Lune Bleue, a 1930s-style carnival that is home to the Cirque Maroc acrobats.[24]

La Magie Continue

After securing funding from the Canadian government for a second year, Laliberté took steps to renovate Cirque du Soleil from a group of street performers into a "proper circus". To accomplish this he hired the head of the National Circus School, Guy Caron, as Cirque du Soleil's artistic director. The influences that Laliberté and Caron had in reshaping their circus were extensive. They wanted strong emotional music that was played from beginning to end by musicians. They wanted to emulate the Moscow Circus' method of having the acts tell a story. Performers, rather than a technical crew, move equipment and props on and off stage so that it did not disrupt the momentum of the "storyline". Most importantly, their vision was to create a circus with neither a ring nor animals. The rationale was that the lack of both of these things draws the audience more into the performance.[6][25]

To help design the next major show, Laliberté and Caron hired Franco Dragone, another instructor from the National Circus School who had been working in Belgium. When he joined the troupe in 1985, he brought with him his experience in commedia dell'arte techniques, which he imparted to the performers. Although his experience would be limited in the next show due to budget restraints, he would go on to direct every show up to, but not including Dralion.[6]

By 1986, the company was once again in serious financial trouble. During 1985 they had taken the show outside Quebec to a lukewarm response. In Toronto they performed in front of a 25% capacity crowd after not having enough money to properly market the show. Gilles Ste-Croix, dressed in a monkey suit, walked through downtown Toronto as a desperate publicity stunt. A later stop in Niagara Falls turned out to be equally problematic.

Several factors prevented the company from going bankrupt that year. The Desjardins Group, which was Cirque du Soleil's financial institution at the time, covered about $200,000 of bad checks. Also, a financier named Daniel Lamarre, who worked for one of the largest public relations firms in Quebec, represented the company for free, knowing that they didn't have the money to pay his fee. The Quebec government itself also came through again, granting Laliberté enough money to stay solvent for another year.[6]

Le Cirque Réinventé

In 1987, after Laliberté re-privatized Cirque du Soleil, it was invited to perform at the Los Angeles Arts Festival. Although they continued to be plagued by financial difficulties, Normand Latourelle took the gamble and went to Los Angeles, despite only having enough money to make a one-way trip. Had the show been a failure, the company would not have had enough money to get their performers and equipment back to Montreal.[6][26]

The festival turned out to be a huge success, both critically and financially. The show attracted the attention of entertainment executives, including Columbia Pictures, which met with Laliberté and Gauthier under the pretense of wanting to make a movie about Cirque du Soleil. Laliberté was unhappy with the deal, claiming that it gave too many rights to Columbia, which was attempting to secure all rights to the production. Laliberté pulled out of the deal before it could be concluded, and that experience stands out as a key reason why Cirque du Soleil remains independent and privately owned today.[27]

In 1988, Guy Caron left the company due to artistic differences over what to do with the money generated by Cirque du Soleil's first financially successful tour. Laliberté wanted to use it to expand and start a second show while Caron wanted the money to be saved, with a portion going back to the National Circus School. An agreement was never met and Caron, along with a large number of artists loyal to him, departed. This stalled plans that year to start a new touring show.[6]

Laliberté sought out Gilles Ste-Croix as replacement for the artistic director position. Ste-Croix, who had been away from the company since 1985, agreed to return. The company went through more internal troubles, including a failed attempt to add Normand Latourelle as a third man to the partnership. This triumvirate lasted only six months before internal disagreements prompted Gauthier and Laliberté to buy out Latourelle. By the end of 1989, Cirque du Soleil was once again in a deficit.[6]

Fascination

With Saltimbanco finished and touring in the United States and Canada, Cirque du Soleil toured Japan in the summer of 1992 at the behest of the Fuji Television Network. Taking acts from Nouvelle Expérience and Cirque Réinventé, they created a show for this tour, titled Fascination. Although Fascination was never seen outside Japan, it represented the first time that Cirque du Soleil had produced a show that took place in an arena rather than a big top. It was also the first that Cirque du Soleil performed outside of North America.[6]

Knie Presents Cirque du Soleil

The stage for Knie Presents Cirque du Soleil in 1992

Also in 1992, Cirque du Soleil made its first collaboration with Switzerland's Circus Knie in a production named Knie Presents Cirque du Soleil that toured for nine months from 20 March to 29 November 1992 through 60 cities in Switzerland, opening in Rapperswil and closing in Bellinzona. The production merged Circus Knie's animal acts with Cirque du Soleil's acrobatic acts. The stage resembled that of Cirque du Soleil's previous shows La Magie Continue and Le Cirque Reinventé, but was modified to accommodate Circus Knie's animals. The show also featured acts seen previously in Le Cirque Reinventé, including:

Other shows

Name Premiere Venue Format Status
Nouvelle Expérience 8 May 1990 Tour Grand Chapiteau (1990 - 1993) Retired
Saltimbanco 23 April 1992 Tour Grand Chapiteau (1992 – 2006)
Arena (2007 – 2012) 		Retired
Mystère 25 December 1993 Treasure Island, Las Vegas Resident (since 1993) Active
Alegría 21 April 1994 Tour Grand Chapiteau (1994 - 2009)
Arena (2009 – 2013) 		Retired
Quidam 23 April 1996 Tour Grand Chapiteau (1996 - 2010, 2015)
Arena (2010 – 2016) 		Retired
O 15 October 1998 Bellagio, Las Vegas Resident (since 1998) Active
La Nouba 23 December 1998 Disney Springs, Lake Buena Vista, Florida Resident (since 1998) Active
Dralion 22 April 1999 Tour Grand Chapiteau (1999 - 2010)
Arena (2010 – 2015) 		Retired
Varekai 22 April 2002 Tour Grand Chapiteau (2002 - 2013)
Arena (since 2013) 		Active
Zumanity 31 July 2003 New York-New York, Las Vegas Resident (since 2003) Active
Kà 3 February 2005 MGM Grand, Las Vegas Resident (since 2005) Active
Corteo 21 April 2005 Tour Grand Chapiteau (2005 - 2015)Retired
Delirium 26 January 2006 Tour Arena (2006 - 2008) Retired
Love 2 June 2006 The Mirage, Las Vegas Resident (since 2006) Active
Koozå 19 April 2007 Tour Grand Chapiteau (since 2007) Active
Wintuk 1 November 2007 Madison Square Garden, New York City Seasonal Resident (2007 - 2011) Retired
Zaia 26 July 2008 The Venetian Macao, Cotai Strip, Macau Resident (2008 - 2012) Retired
Zed 15 August 2008 Tokyo Disney Resort, Tokyo, Japan Resident (2008 - 2011) Retired
Criss Angel Believe 26 September 2008 Luxor, Las Vegas Resident (2008 - 2016) Retired
Ovo 23 April 2009 Tour Grand Chapiteau (2009 - 2015)
Arena (since 2016) 		Active
Banana Shpeel 19 November 2009 Tour Theatre (2009-2010) Retired
Viva Elvis 16 December 2009 Aria Resort and Casino, Las Vegas Resident (2009 - 2012) Retired
Totem 22 April 2010 Tour Grand Chapiteau (since 2010) Active
Zarkana 29 June 2011 Aria Resort and Casino, Las Vegas Theatre/Arena (2011 - 2012)
Resident (2012 - 2016) 		Retired
Iris 25 September 2011 Dolby Theatre, Los Angeles Resident (2011 - 2013) Retired
Michael Jackson: The Immortal World Tour 2 October 2011 Tour Arena (2011 - 2014) Retired
Amaluna 19 April 2012 Tour Grand Chapiteau (since 2012) Active
Michael Jackson: One 23 May 2013 Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino, Las Vegas Resident (since 2013) Active
Kurios: Cabinet of Curiosities 24 April 2014 Tour Grand Chapiteau (since 2014) Active
Joyà 8 November 2014 Riviera Maya, Mexico Resident (since 2014) Active
Toruk - The First Flight 12 November 2015 Tour Arena (since 2015) Active
Luzia 21 April 2016 Tour Grand Chapiteau Active
Paramour 25 May 2016 Lyric Theatre, Broadway Resident Active
Soda Cirque May 2017 Tour Arena Coming Soon

Future productions

Other works

Projects

Special events

In April 2015, Cirque du Soleil's Special Events division, which had been responsible for coordinating various public and private events, formed a separate company called 45 Degrees. Led by Yasmine Khalil, the new company has continued to produce special events for Cirque du Soleil while expanding to offer creative content outside Cirque du Soleil as well.[51]

Date Name or event Location Notes
24 March 2002 74th Academy Awards Los Angeles A five-minute performance for the category of special effects at the 74th Academy Awards. They spent four months creating the show, which featured 11 acts from a variety of Cirque du Soleil shows. Each of the acts were choreographed and themed to their equivalent movie by re-creating the special effect scene featured in the film on stage while playing clips on a large screen behind the performances.[52]
11 July 2004 Soleil de Minuit
(Midnight Sun) 		Montreal A one-night event in Montreal celebrating the 20th anniversary of Cirque du Soleil and the 25th anniversary of the Montreal International Jazz Festival.[53]
2004–2005 A Taste of Cirque du Soleil Celebrity Cruises A 30-minute performance on the Constellation and Summit Celebrity Cruises cruise ships. Included on these ships was The Bar at the Edge of the Earth, a dreamlike bar/lounge/disco.[54][55]
15 July 2005 Reflections in Blue Montreal A unique one-night water show in Montreal as part of the opening ceremonies for the 2005 World Aquatics Championships.[56]
26 July 2006 2006 World Outgames Rome Cirque du Soleil created this 60-minute show for the Fiat Bravo launch under the direction of Jean-François Bouchard and Michel Laprise. It included eight numbers, most of them adapted for the event, as well as characters, choreographic numbers and a grand finale: the unveiling of the car, which featured horses, a 40-car carousel, fire performers and fireworks.
January 2007 Circle Fiat Bravo Launch Montreal Cirque du Soleil paid tribute to athletes and diversity with a performance directed by Michel Laprise, highlighting feats of strength and dexterity.
4 February 2007 One Day, One Game, One Dream Miami Gardens, Florida,
United States 		Produced by David Saltz, this was performed during the Super Bowl XLI pre-game show.[57]
28 August 2007 The Venetian Macao Grand Opening Macau The show told a story of a young traveler who arrives in Macau. Reflecting on his life, he sets out to test his abilities and discover what fate has in store for him.
7 December 2007 Prêmio Craque do Brasileirão Rio de Janeiro Cirque du Soleil took part in the celebration. Their artists performed acts from various shows.
2008 The Awakening of the Serpent Zaragoza, Spain Cirque du Soleil participated in the presentation of a daily parade spectacle called The Awakening of the Serpent at Expo 2008 in Zaragoza, Spain.
17 October 2008 400th anniversary of Québec Quebec City, Canada Cirque du Soleil celebrated Quebec City’s 400th anniversary by creating a performance staged at the Colisée Pepsi (Pepsi Coliseum), directed by Michel Laprise.
5 December 2008 Il Sogno Di Volare
(The Dream of Flying) 		Lecce, Italy During the white night of Lecce, this show was performed in Saint Oronzo Plaza. The show was inspired by Leonardo da Vinci and Christopher Columbus.[58]
16 May 2009 Eurovision Song Contest 2009 Moscow Cirque du Soleil was the opening act of the song contest, along with Dima Bilan, who sang "Believe." They performed a spectacle called Prodigal Son.
2009 Les Chemins invisibles Quebec City, Canada The first year of Les Chemins invisibles was titled "The Enriched Encounter".
2010 Expo 2010 Shanghai Cirque du Soleil co-created the Canada Pavilion in association with the Government of Canada for Expo 2010 in Shanghai, China, which was available for viewing from May to September 2010.[59]
14 June 2010 2010 FIBA World Championship Istanbul Cirque du Soleil created and performed a 10-minute presentation for the Opening Ceremony of the FIBA 2010 World Championship with acts from La Nouba, Quidam, Dralion, Kooza and Varekai. It was directed by Michel Laprise.
28 August 2010 Les Chemins invisibles Quebec City, Canada The second year of Les Chemins invisibles was titled "Furrow of Dreams".
2011 Les Chemins invisibles Quebec City, Canada The third year of Les Chemins invisibles was titled "The Tin Kingdom".
5 February 2012 Super Bowl XLVI Halftime Show Indianapolis,
United States 		During the halftime show, some artists performed with Madonna, using the slackline.
26 February 2012 84th Academy Awards Los Angeles Over 50 artists performed a routine, scored by Danny Elfman, during the 84th Academy Awards in the Dolby Theatre.[60][61]
2012 Les Chemins invisibles Quebec City, Canada The fourth year of Les Chemins invisibles was titled "The Pixel Frontier".
22 September 2012 2012 FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup Baku, Azerbaijan Opening ceremony at Tofiq Bahramov Stadium in Baku.[62]
2013 Les Chemins invisibles Quebec City, Canada The fifth and final year of Les Chemins invisibles was titled "The Harbor of Lost Souls".
13 June - 3 August 2013 Scalada Andorra A free, summer seasonal open-air event, developed by Cirque du Soleil for the Principality of Andorra, that depicted the competitiveness of the four seasons.
5 July - 2 August 2014 Scalada Mater Natura Andorra A summer seasonal open-air event; the second year was entitled Mater Nature, directed and choreographed by Stéphane Boko.[63]
13–28 December 2014 30th Anniversary Concert Montreal Cirque du Soleil's 30th Anniversary Concert was performed at the Saint-Jean-Baptiste Church in Montreal in December 2014. The concert featured a variety of songs from Cirque du Soleil's previous shows. The 75-minute concert featured a 30-person orchestra, a 70-person choir, and 8 veteran Cirque du Soleil singers.[64]
1 May - 31 October 2015 Allavita! Expo Milano 2015 Milan This tailor-made show was inspired by the union between Food and Life (the theme for the expo).
4 July - 1 August 2015 Scalada Storia Andorra la Vella, Andorra The third part in this series explored Andorra's more mysterious side and took an acrobatic and metaphorical journey through the country's legends.
10 July 2015 Pan American Games 2015 Toronto Cirque du Soleil created an original production for the Opening Ceremony of the 2015 Pan American Games.
15 July - 15 August 2015 Le Monde Est Fou Trois-Rivières This show by 45 Degrees (formerly the special events division of Cirque du Soleil), directed by Daniel Fortin, was "inspired by the body of work and rich musical universe produced by Beau Dommage". The 75-minute show is the first of a "Cirque du Soleil Série Hommage" series and ran for a month at Amphithéâtre Cogeco in Trois-Rivières (Québec).
2–10 January 2016 Joel Barvikha, Moscow "Joel is inspired by the traditions of the Russian New Year and follows the Snow Maiden in a snow-shrouded, enchanting world where a myriad of cooler stars will point her way to finding love. Imagine a bustling metropolis a few hours before the New Year; the incessant hustle and bustle; glittering lights in windows; singing all over the city; and the huge traffic jams and pedestrians hurrying in all directions. Many of them no longer believe in miracles, and for many years have seen the visiting Santa Claus as someone in the next room absently fiddling with a false beard, but not her... Fascinatingly beautiful, brave and stylish, this evening she hurries home and is resolutely rushing on the snowy street, when she stumbles on one of the inhabitants of the Kingdom of Snow. He stretches out his hand to this young beauty on this New Year's Eve and opens the door to the incredible world of Joel." The show was directed by Fernand Reynvil.
6 February 2016 – Present La Forge aux étoiles Vienne, France Cirque du Soleil announced they would produce an aquatic evening show to replace the Lady O show at Futuroscope (a French theme park). This 45 degrees production will be perform 250 to 300 shows a year on a 7,000-square-metre (75,000 sq ft) outdoor aquatic stage with special effects such as laser projections, water fountains, pyrotechnics and fire. According to the press release, "In a constellation of poetic images, [the show] will invite young and old to become the privileged witnesses of the friendship between a young girl and a cosmic giant with his feet on the ground and his head in the stars."[65][66]
13 July - 13 August 2016 Tout écartillé Trois-Rivières This is the second part of Cirque's "Série Hommage" (Tribute Series) and will be inspired by the musical works of Robert Charlebois, a leading figure of the Quebec music scene for more than 50 years. The 75-minute show will run for a month at Amphithéâtre Cogeco in Trois-Rivières (Québec).

Lounges and nightclubs

As of October 2015, Cirque du Soleil renounced its intention to be involved in Las Vegas nightclubs and has since dissociated itself from all lounges and clubs listed below.[67] These lounges are no longer affiliated with Cirque du Soleil.

Revolution is a 5,000-square-foot (500 m2) lounge concept designed for The Mirage resort in Las Vegas, in which cast members perform to the music of The Beatles.[68] Cirque du Soleil drew inspiration from the Beatles' lyrics to design some of the lounge's features. For instance, the ceiling is decorated with 30,000 dichroic crystals, representing "Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds". The VIP tables use infrared technology that allows guests to create artwork, which is then projected onto amorphic columns.[69]

Cirque du Soleil's second lounge was the Gold Lounge, which is located in the Aria Resort and Casino in Las Vegas and is 3,756 square feet (349 m2).[70] The design is reminiscent of Elvis' mansion, Graceland, and black and gold are utilized extensively throughout the décor. The bar has the same shape as the bar in the Elvis mansion as well.[71] The music played here changes throughout the night, including upbeat classic rock, commercial house music, upbeat Elvis remixes, minimal hip hop, Top 40, and pop.[72]

In May 2013 The Light Group opened the Light nightclub in collaboration with Cirque du Soleil[73] at the Mandalay Bay Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, costing $25 million. Light was the first time Cirque du Soleil worked as part of a nightclub.[74] Among other features the club has a large wall of LED screens, and the room is illuminated with fog, lasers and strobes.[73] DJs at the events include charting artists such as Kaskade and Tiesto, with prices ranging from $30 to $10,000 for certain table placements.[73]

Diversification

In October 2011, Cirque du Soleil was reported to be interested in purchasing Maison Alcan, as part of a diversification strategy.[75]

Grand chapiteau tours

Cirque du Soleil's grand chapiteau at night
Night shot of Quidam's grand chapiteau in Barcelona, Spain

Cirque du Soleil shows normally tour under a grand chapiteau (i.e. big top) for an extended period of time until they are modified, if necessary, for touring in arenas and other venues. The company's grands chapiteaux are easily recognizable by their blue and yellow coloring. The infrastructure that tours with each show could easily be called a mobile village; it includes the Grand Chapiteau, a large entrance tent, artistic tent, kitchen, school, and other items necessary to support the cast and crew.[76]

The company's tours have significant financial impacts on the cities they visit by renting lots for shows, parking spaces, selling and buying promotions, and contributing to the local economy with hotel stays, purchasing food, and hiring local help. For example, during its stay in Santa Monica, California, Koozå brought an estimated US$16,700,000 (equivalent to $18,419,994 in 2015) to the city government and local businesses.[77]

Site

Grand chapiteau

Other tents

Kitchen

Discography

Filmography

Cirque du Soleil Images creates original products for television, video and DVD and distributes its productions worldwide.

Its creations have been awarded numerous prizes and distinctions, including two Gemini Awards and a Primetime Emmy Award for Cirque du Soleil: Fire Within (in 2003) and three Primetime Emmy Awards for Dralion (in 2001).

Year Title Notes
1988 La Magie Continue A film adaptation of the production La Magie Continue. Filmed live in Toronto in 1986.
1990 Le Cirque Réinventé A film adaptation of the production Le Cirque Réinventé. Filmed live in Montréal in 1988.
1991 Quel Cirque A look into the creation of Nouvelle Expérience. Either out of print or never released.
1992 Nouvelle Expérience A film adaptation of the production Nouvelle Expérience. Filmed in live Toronto in 1991.
1992 Saltimbanco's Diary A behind-the-scenes featurette on the making of Saltimbanco. Either out of print or never released.
1994 Saltimbanco Film adaptation of Saltimbanco as directed by Jacques Payette. Filmed live in Atlanta in 1993.
1994 A Baroque Odyssey A 10-year anniversary retrospective. Additional film shot in Montréal.
1994 The Truth of Illusion Documentary about the production Alegría. Filmed in Montréal in 1994. Out of print.
1996 Full Circle: The Making of Quidam A behind-the-scenes look at the making of Quidam. Filmed in Montréal in 1996. Out of print.
1999 Quidam A film adaption of the production Quidam as directed by David Mallet. Filmed live in Amsterdam in 1999.
1999 Alegría, the Film A fictional story loosely inspired by the stage production Alegría, directed by Franco Dragone.
1999 In the Heart of Dralion Behind the scenes of Dralion. Released along with the Dralion film adaptation DVD.
2000 Journey of Man A compilation of acts from various Cirque du Soleil shows including Mystère and Quidam. This movie was shot in wide format and released at IMAX theaters.
2000 Inside La Nouba: From Conception to Perception Highlights of the show and interviews with creators. Out of print.
2001 Dralion A film adaptation of the production Dralion, directed by Guy Caron and David Mallet. Filmed live in San Francisco in 2000.
2001 Alegría A film adaptation of the production Alegría, as directed by Nick Morris. Filmed live in Sydney in 2001.
2002 Varekai Film adaptation of the touring show Varekai, directed by Dominic Champagne and Nick Morris. Filmed live in Toronto in 2002.
2002 Cirque du Soleil: Fire Within A 13-episode inside look into the creation and production of Varekai shown on Bravo. Filmed mainly in Montréal.
2003 Whatever 'Stie A parody of Varekai show acted by the technical crew only for the actual artists (actors) DVD.
2003 La Nouba A film adaptation of the production show La Nouba, directed by David Mallet. Filmed live in Orlando in 2003.
2004 Midnight Sun Filmed live at the Festival International de Jazz de Montréal on 11 July 2004, to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Festival International de Jazz de Montréal and Cirque du Soleil's 20th birthday.
2004 Solstrom A 13-episode series using various acts from Cirque du Soleil and other productions shown on Bravo. Each episode has a different theme. Filmed in Montréal in 2003.
2005 Kà Extreme A documentary which explores the production of Kà by following the show's evolution from early rehearsals through to the first public performance.
2006 Corteo Film adaptation of the touring show Corteo, directed by Jocelyn Barnabé. Filmed live in Toronto in 2005.
2006 Lovesick Filmed over two years and set in Las Vegas during the creation of the cabaret-style production, Zumanity. Filmed in Las Vegas.
2007 Flow: A Tribute to the Artists of "O" A homage to the artists of "O" that provides an in-depth documentary of the Las Vegas aquatic extravaganza. Filmed in Las Vegas in 2007.
2007 The Mystery of Mystère A documentary about Mystère, the critically acclaimed theatrical production playing at the permanent location at the Treasure Island Resort. Filmed in Las Vegas in 2007.
2007 A Thrilling Ride through Koozå A short documentary filmed during the creation period of Koozå. Filmed in Montréal in 2007.
2007 Kà - Backstage Filmed exclusively for French language TV channel Arte and the German national TV channel, ZDF.[78] The performance in its entirety was broadcast on the latter.
2008 Koozå Film adaptation of the touring show Koozå, directed by Mario Janelle. Filmed live in Toronto in 2007.
2008 Delirium The last performance of Delirium was filmed in London. This film was released in limited theatrical runs on 20 August and 15 October 2008.
2008 All Together Now A documentary about the making of Love.
2010 Zed in Tokyo A documentary filmed during the creation period of the Tokyo residency show, Zed.
2010 Flowers in the Desert A look at all the Vegas shows including Viva Elvis.
2011 Crossroads in Macao A documentary filmed during the creation period of the Macao residency show, Zaia. Filmed in Macau in 2010.
2012 Cirque du Soleil: Worlds Away Cirque du Soleil partnered with James Cameron and Andrew Adamson in association with Reel FX Entertainment to produce this 3D motion picture.[79] Distributed worldwide by Paramount Pictures on 21 December 2012, the film tells the story of a girl named Mia going to a traveling circus and falling in love with its main attraction, the Aerialist. After the Aerialist falls during his act, he and Mia are transported to another world where each encounter the different worlds of Cirque du Soleil through O, Mystère, Kà, Love, Zumanity, Viva Elvis and Criss Angel Believe.[80]
2013 Amaluna Film adaptation of the touring show Amaluna, directed by Mario Janelle. Filmed live in Toronto in 2012.
2015 Cirque du Soleil: Le Grand Concert A film adaptation of The 30th Anniversary Concert, produced by Echo Media exclusively for French Canadian TV language channel Ici Radio-Canada Télé. Filmed live in Montréal in 2014.[81][82]
TBA Toruk - The First Flight Film adaption of the touring show Toruk - The First Flight inspired by James Cameron's film Avatar. On 18 January 2016, it was announced via the Toruk Facebook page that filming for an upcoming DVD has been completed and is currently undergoing editing. Details as to when it will be released will be published at a later date.[83]

Legal issues

Suspension of artist due to HIV

In November 2003, a US federal discrimination complaint was filed against Cirque du Soleil by Lambda Legal Defense and Education Fund on behalf of gymnast Matthew Cusick.[84] The allegation was that in April 2002, they fired Cusick because he tested HIV positive. Cusick had not yet performed, but had completed his training and was scheduled to begin working at Mystère just a few days after he was terminated. Even though company doctors had already cleared him as healthy enough to perform, Cirque du Soleil alleged that due to the nature of Cusick's disease coupled with his job's high risk of injury, there was a significant risk of his infecting other performers, crew or audience members.[85] Cirque du Soleil said that they had several HIV-positive employees, but in the case of Cusick, the risk of him spreading his infection while performing was too high to take the risk. A boycott ensued and Just Out ran a story on it with the headline "Flipping off the Cirque".[86]

An additional complaint was filed on Cusick's behalf by the San Francisco Human Rights Commission. Their complaint stemmed from the issue that the City of San Francisco bans contracts (or in this case land leases) to discriminatory employers.[87]

Although Cirque du Soleil's position remains that this was a safety issue, not a discrimination issue, they settled with Cusick on 22 April 2004. The terms of the settlement include that the company would initiate a companywide anti-discrimination training program and alter its employment practices pertaining to HIV-positive applicants. In addition, Matthew Cusick received $60,000 in lost wages, $200,000 in front pay, $300,000 in compensatory damages and Lambda Legal received $40,000 in attorney fees.[84][86]

Naming Rights

Justin Timberlake plagiarism accusations

On 2 April 2016, it was revealed that Cirque du Soleil was suing Justin Timberlake, the co-authors and producers of the song 'Don't Hold the Wall' $800,000 USD over copyright infringements with their song 'Steel Dreams' from Quidam. The song from Timberlake's '20/20' album (released in 2013) has a section of melody as well as instrumentation (between 4:03 to 4:20 in the song) which bears heavy resemblance to the opening of Steel Dreams, which prompted the claims from Cirque that 'Don't Hold the Wall' includes "unauthorised use of the musical composition and sound recording".[92]

HB2 Laws in North Carolina

On April 15, Cirque du Soleil announced the cancellation of all their 2016 touring shows to North Carolina citing the recent signing of the Public Facilities Privacy & Security Act by North Carolina governor Pat McCrory. This cancelations effected OVO in both Greensboro and Charlotte and of Toruk in Raleigh. The company announced in a press release that "Cirque du Soleil strongly believes in diversity and equality for every individual and is opposed to discrimination in any form. The new HB2 legislation passed in North Carolina is an important regression to ensuring human rights for all."[93] Cirque has been criticized for this decision and accused of taking a double standard, for cancelling the shows in North Carolina while many times they have performed their shows in countries like the United Arab Emirates which violates a number of fundamental human rights.[94]

Fatalities

In 2009, Oleksandr Zhurov, a 24-year-old from Ukraine, fell off a trampoline while training at one of the company's Montreal facilities. He died from head injuries sustained in the accident.[95]

The first death during a performance occurred on June 29, 2013. Acrobat Sarah Guyard-Guillot, from Paris, France, was killed after she fell fifty feet into an open pit at the MGM Grand during the Kà show. After the fall, everyone on the stage looked "visually scared and frightened". Then the audience could hear her groans and screams from the floor.[96][97]

References

  1. ↑ Sylt, Christian; Reid, Caroline (23 January 2011). "Cirque du Soleil swings to $1bn revenue as it mulls shows at O2". The Independent (UK).
  2. ↑ Circus arts in Quebec and in Canada (PDF), Regroupement national - des arts du cirque. Accessed on 11 October 2013.
  3. ↑ Brigitte Bélanger (14 April 1999). "Cirque du Soleil". Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada.
  4. ↑ Adam Sandler (28 August 2006). "Guy Laliberte: Cirque's shining light". Variety. Retrieved 18 August 2007.
  5. ↑ John Rockwell (5 May 2006). "The Soleil Never Sets". New York Times.
  6. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 Babinski, Tony (2004). Cirque du Soleil: 20 years under the sun. Harry N. Abrams Inc. ISBN 0-8109-4636-X.
  7. ↑ "Collins, Glenn Run Away to the Circus? No need. It's Staying Here". The New York Times. 29 April 2009. Retrieved 18 February 2011.
  8. 1 2 "Official Cirque du Soleil Website". Cirquedusoleil.com. Retrieved 18 February 2011.
  9. 1 2 Hermann, Eve M. B. "Guy Laliberté". Retrieved 2 August 2007.
  10. ↑ McArthur, Rachel."Cirque du Soleil Show Dubai". Retrieved 4 November 2009.
  11. 1 2 Sylt, Christian."Cirque du Soleil may leap for new partner"
  12. ↑ Matthew Miller, 03.15.04 (15 March 2004). "forbes.com". Forbes. Retrieved 18 February 2011.
  13. ↑ Alex Pham (13 June 2010). "Microsoft uses Cirque du Soleil to introduce top-secret video game technology". The Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 18 July 2010.
  14. ↑ Cirque du Soleil. "Awards and Distinctions". Retrieved 12 August 2007.
  15. ↑ "GalaFilm News". Archived from the original on 7 July 2007. Retrieved 11 August 2007.
  16. ↑ "Guy Laliberte Honored on the Hollywood Walk of Fame". Dance.broadwayworld.com. 22 November 2010. Retrieved 18 February 2011.
  17. ↑ "Cirque du Soleil biography". Governor General's Performing Arts Awards Foundation. Retrieved 4 February 2015.
  18. ↑ "Cirque du Soleil's second act - Al Jazeera English". Retrieved 27 April 2015.
  19. ↑ "Cirque du Soleil sale to American, Chinese private equity firms gets approval". CBC News. The Canadian Press. 30 June 2015. Retrieved 1 July 2015.
  20. 1 2 Bell, Karen (Summer 1993). Performing Arts & Entertainment in Canada.
  21. ↑ Molaro, Regina. "Creative Mystique". Retrieved 2 August 2007.
  22. ↑ Eve M. B. Hermann. "Laliberté, Guy". Retrieved 18 August 2007.
  23. ↑ Morgan, Kaya. "Billionaire Head of the World's Fastest Growing Circus". Retrieved 2 August 2007.
  24. ↑ "Cirque du Soleil Tickets: Cirque Attempted to Revive one of its Previous Shows". Articles Shop. Retrieved 18 February 2011.
  25. ↑ Rushing, Kelly. "Thinking Outside the Big Top: Transformations of Ritual and Culture in the American Circus". Archived from the original on 3 November 2007. Retrieved 2 August 2007.
  26. ↑ Solman, Paul. "Cirque du Soleil". Retrieved 2 August 2007.
  27. ↑ Miller, Matthew (15 March 2004). "The Acrobat". Forbes. Retrieved 2 August 2007.
  28. ↑ Richard Russo (10 May 2008). "Cirque du Soleil and KNIE, 1992". Fascination! Newsletter.
  29. ↑ Cirquedusoleil.com
  30. ↑ "Le Grand Chapiteau: Luzia". www.richasi.com. Retrieved 2015-11-24.
  31. ↑ Montrealgazette.com
  32. ↑ Cirquedusoleil.com
  33. ↑ "Netflix announces Cirque du Soleil". the hollywood reporter. 3 June 2015. Retrieved 4 June 2015.
  34. ↑ Agard, Chancellor (28 July 2015). "www.broadwayworld.com/article/Breaking-News-Queen-Latifah-Mary-J-Blige-Will-Ease-on-Down-the-Road-in-NBCs-THE-WIZ-LIVE-20150728". Broadwayworld.com. Retrieved 28 July 2015.
  35. ↑ Agard, Chancellor (30 March 2015). "http://www.broadwayworld.com/article/BREAKING-NEWS-NBC-Sets-THE-WIZ-as-2015-Live-Musical-Broadway-Revival-in-the-Works-20150330". Broadwayworld.com. Retrieved 30 March 2015. External link in |title= (help)
  36. ↑ http://www.latercera.com/noticia/entretencion/2015/11/661-657724-9-soda-stereo-presento-su-show-junto-al-cirque-du-soleil.shtml
  37. ↑ http://www.peruthisweek.com/news-soda-cirque-cirque-soleil-with-soda-stereo-to-perform-in-lima-108268
  38. ↑ http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/latin/6640823/cirque-du-soleil-soda-stereo-spectacular-exclusive
  39. ↑ http://www.buenosairesherald.com/article/204357/cirque-du-soleil-dreams-about-soda-stereo
  40. 1 2 https://cirquedusoleil.taleo.net/careersection/2/joblist.ftl
  41. ↑ http://www.lapresse.ca/arts/spectacles-et-theatre/cirque/201510/30/01-4915549-cirque-du-soleil-les-plans-pour-hangzhou-se-precisent.php
  42. ↑ "Grupo Vidanta and Cirque du Soleil Expand Partnership to Create World's First Entertainment Park Animated by Cirque du Soleil". cirquedusoleil.com. Cirque Du Soleil. Retrieved 13 November 2014.
  43. ↑ Forgione, Mary. "Cirque du Soleil plans its first theme park, chooses Mexico site". latimes.com. Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 13 November 2014.
  44. ↑ "Cirque du Soleil Theme Park Resort". facebook.com. Goddard Group. Retrieved 13 November 2014.
  45. ↑ http://www.destination360.com/middle-east/united-arab-emirates/cirque-du-soleil-dubai
  46. ↑ The Point. "Cirque du Monde". Retrieved 19 August 2007.
  47. ↑ "Arts visuels—Le Cirque du Soleil vient en aide aux artistes urbains" (in French). Rue Frontenac. 8 February 2011. Archived from the original on 11 February 2011. Retrieved 4 March 2011.
  48. ↑ "Safewalls – An artistic project curated by Cirque du Soleil bringing the time-honoured circus poster into the 21st century". Cirque du Soleil (Press Release). 3 February 2011. Retrieved 4 March 2011.
  49. ↑ "Cirque du Soleil and Desigual Sign a Worldwide Partnership". 1 June 2011. Retrieved 27 June 2011.
  50. ↑ "Movi.Kanti.Revo: Google And Cirque Du Soleil Launch A "Sensory Chrome Experiment"". TechCrunch.com. 19 September 2012. Retrieved 20 September 2012.
  51. ↑ "Cirque du Soleil Special Events Division Expands to Become 45 Degrees (Press Release)". 45degrees.com. 7 April 2015. Retrieved 18 October 2015.
  52. ↑ Toni Thompson. "Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences press release". Archived from the original on 12 August 2007. Retrieved 25 August 2007.
  53. ↑ Cirque du Soleil. "Soleil de Minuit press release". Archived from the original on 27 September 2007. Retrieved 25 August 2007.
  54. ↑ Linda Garrison. "Celebrity Cruises and Cirque du Soleil introduce new program at sea.". Retrieved 19 August 2007.
  55. ↑ "Celebrity Puts Cirque on Hiatus". Retrieved 17 May 2009.
  56. ↑ Cirque du Soleil. "Reflections in Blue". Archived from the original on 14 September 2007. Retrieved 25 August 2007.
  57. ↑ "Cirque du Soleil to perform in Super Bowl XLI pregame show". 9 January 2006.
  58. ↑ Video of Il Sogno Di Volare
  59. ↑ "Canada Pavilion for Expo 2010 Shanghai China". Arch Tracker. Retrieved 18 February 2011.
  60. ↑ "Cirque du Soleil to Present Exclusive One-Time Only Performance at the 84th Academy Awards. Troupe will Pay Tribute to Hollywood's Biggest Night with its Largest Ensemble Cast Ever Assembled in One Act". 17 February 2012. Retrieved 26 February 2012.
  61. ↑ Pat Donnelly (25 February 2012). "Cirque du Soleil gearing up for a prime-time Oscar performance". Montreal Gazette. Retrieved 26 February 2012.
  62. ↑ "Cirque du Soleil Invited to be part of the opening ceremonies of the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup Azerbaijan 2012 to take place in Baku" (PDF). 12 September 2012. Retrieved 12 September 2012.
  63. ↑ "Scalada, a Free Outdoor Event in Andorra". Cirque du Soleil. Archived from the original on 7 July 2013.
  64. ↑ "Church frames Cirque du Soleil's enthralling 30th-anniversary concert". montrealgazette.com. Retrieved 1 January 2015.
  65. ↑ "Nouveau spectacle nocturne du Futuroscope: "La Forge aux étoiles", une "Aquaféerie" imaginée par les créateurs du Cirque du Soleil, en exclusivité mondiale" (in French). Futuroscope News. 12 November 2015. Retrieved 13 November 2015.
  66. ↑ "Le Cirque du Soleil au Futuroscope". Le Figaro (in French). 12 November 2015. Retrieved 13 November 2015.
  67. ↑ http://lasvegassun.com/blogs/kats-report/2015/oct/07/hakkasan-group-is-out-of-light-and-so-is-cirque-du/
  68. ↑ Haya Zoubi. "The Beatles LOVE by Cirque du Soleil". Archived from the original on 28 September 2007. Retrieved 19 August 2007.
  69. ↑ "Las Vegas Ultra Lounge Revolution". The Light Group. Retrieved 16 February 2011.
  70. ↑ "Las Vegas Ultra Lounge Gold". The Light Group. Retrieved 16 February 2011.
  71. ↑ "Cirque du Soleil Lounges". Cirque du Soleil. Archived from the original on February 14, 2011. Retrieved 16 February 2011.
  72. ↑ "Gold Lounge" (PDF). Cirque du Soleil (Press Material). Retrieved 15 April 2011.
  73. 1 2 3 "Reviving Las Vegas With Less Sin, More City". 91.9 FM WUOT. 25 November 2013. Retrieved 18 May 2014.
  74. ↑ "LIGHT Nightclub". mandalaybay.com. Retrieved 23 May 2014.
  75. ↑ Renaud, Carl (14 October 2011). "Le Cirque veut la Maison Alcan". Canoe.ca (in French). Retrieved 18 June 2012.
  76. ↑ "Totem: Press Kit" (PDF). Cirque du Soleil (Press Kit). Retrieved 10 February 2011.
  77. ↑ "City Hall close to bringing back Cirque du Soleil". Santa Monica Daily Press. 26 April 2011. Archived from the original on 29 July 2012.
  78. ↑ "Cirque du Soleil Documentaries Complete List". roysac.com. Retrieved 13 January 2012.
  79. ↑ "Creative Forces Cirque du Soleil, James Cameron, and Andrew Adamson, in association with Reel FX Entertainment, form partnership to produce Cirque-inspired, immersive 3D experiences". Cirque du Soleil (Press Release). 14 December 2010. Retrieved 13 March 2011.
  80. ↑ "Paramount and Cirque du Soleil to Partner on "Cirque du Soleil Worlds Away", Written and Directed by Andrew Adamson, and Presented by James Cameron. Studio to Release the 3D Event Film, Worldwide in 2012". Cirque du Soleil (Press Release). Cirque du Soleil. 10 January 2012. Retrieved 13 January 2012.
  81. ↑ "Anniversary Concert Filmed – to Air in Quebec on ICI Radio-Canada TV!". cirquefascination.com. Retrieved 9 January 2015.
  82. ↑ "Le Cirque du Soleil: Le Grand Concert". http://ici.tou.tv/. Retrieved 9 January 2015. External link in |publisher= (help)
  83. ↑ https://www.facebook.com/torukthefirstflight/photos/a.1122793164413320.1073741826.1087940301231940/1314514921907809/?type=3&theater
  84. 1 2 Hayley Gorenberg. "Confronting HIV discrimination in the workplace: A case study". Retrieved 11 August 2007.
  85. ↑ Patrick Letellier. "Stronger than the mighty Cirque". Archived from the original on 23 December 2007. Retrieved 11 August 2007.
  86. 1 2 Bryan Anderton. "D.C. gymnast says Cirque "crushed" his dream". Archived from the original on 30 September 2007. Retrieved 11 August 2007.
  87. ↑ Hua, Vanessa (22 November 2003). "S.F. to probe firing of circus worker". The San Francisco Chronicle. Retrieved 11 August 2007.
  88. ↑ "Cirque Dreams founder sets his creation apart". Tampa Bay Times. 3 February 2009. Retrieved 4 November 2012.
  89. ↑ "Word Mark: CIRQUE DREAMS". United States Patent and Trademark Office. 17 June 2004. Retrieved 4 November 2012.
  90. ↑ "THE DREAM MERCHANT COMPANY, KFT. v. FREMONSTER THEATRICAL. Opposition No. 91152686." (PDF). United States Patent and Trademark Office. 17 June 2004. Retrieved 4 November 2012.
  91. ↑ "Word Mark: CIRQUE DE FLAMBE". United States Patent and Trademark Office. 17 June 2004. Retrieved 4 November 2012.
  92. ↑ http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-04-02/cirque-du-soleil-sues-justin-timberlake-copyright-infringement/7294514
  93. ↑ https://www.cirquedusoleil.com/en/press/news/2016/cirque-du-soleil-will-not-perform-in-north-carolina.aspx
  94. ↑ http://www.breitbart.com/big-hollywood/2016/04/15/cirque-du-solei-cancels-north-carolina-shows-over-public-facilities-act-plans-shows-in-dubai-where-gays-are-put-to-death/
  95. ↑ David Ng (1 July 2013). "Cirque du Soleil mishaps are infrequent but not unheard of". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 20 July 2013.
  96. ↑ "Cirque du Soleil artist killed in fall from stage during 'Ka' at MGM Grand". Las Vegas Sun. Retrieved 30 June 2013.
  97. ↑ "Cirque du Soleil Tragedy Puts Focus on Aerial Acts". Wall Street Journal. 22 April 2015. Retrieved 25 April 2015.

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Cirque du Soleil.

This article is issued from Wikipedia - version of the Wednesday, May 04, 2016. The text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution/Share Alike but additional terms may apply for the media files.