The Fascinating History Of Cirque du Soleil
#1: Up And Down The Hanging Piece Of Fabric
The company was founded in Baie-Saint-Paul in 1984 by two former street performers, Guy Laliberté and Gilles Ste-Croix.
#2: It Looks Like They Are Making Letters
Self-described as a "dramatic mix of circus arts and street entertainment". It is the largest theatrical producer in the world.
#3: Spinning So Gracefully
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.
#4: Body Strength Or Shall I Say, Teeth Strength?
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.
#5: Most Colorful Split I've Ever Seen.
After financial successes and failures in the late 1980s, Nouvelle Experience was created
#6: Spinning Cyclist Practicing With A Human.
With the direction of Franco Dragone which not only made Cirque du Soleil profitable by 1990, but allowed it to create new shows.
#7: She's Riding Him Like A Surfboard
Cirque du Soleil expanded rapidly through the 1990s and 2000s.
#8: She's Spinning By A Thread.
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.
#9: All Together Now
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.
#10: She Is At The Center Of Attention
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, and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
#11: All Bundled Up
The resident Show at Bellagio in Las Vegas is their most popular show and most critically acclaimed show.
#12: Heavy Leg Lifting
in the United States. You're gonna have to go to Canada to see that one.
#13: Michael Jackson
Titled "Immortal." The show uses the music and vision of Michael Jackson along with Cirque du Soleil's signature acrobatic performance style to create a realistic concert experience.
#14: Shoulder Love
It became the highest grossing tour in the U.S. in 2012 generating USD 163 million.
#15: Balancing On A Chair
Of course they have so many other shows to cover, they put on diverse shows that anyone could enjoy.
