How we discovered Cirque du Soleil

My mum has been a huge fan of Cirque du Soleil for as long as I can remember. I guess she must have seen clips on TV because for years she used to say, “Before I die I’ve got to see a Cirque du Soleil show live.”

A few years ago she got her wish in that she saved up enough money to treat the whole family to an evening watching the Cirque du Soleil London show Varekai at the Royal Albert Hall.

What you need to know about Cirque du Soleil

What my mum knew was that Cirque du Soleil is no typical circus. It all began in 1984 in Canada as part of the celebrations for the 450th anniversary of the arrival of Jacques Cartier there. The Cirque is a combination of circus skills with street entertainment choreographed to music – but on a huge scale. There are no animal acts in Cirque.

(Armed with that knowledge Mum knew what to expect from Varekai; far more in fact than the rest of us, who were expecting clowns, elephants and candyfloss. Hmmm...)

Cirque du Soleil started out touring and also played a part in the Calgary Winter Olympics in 1988. Its Las Vegas debut was in 1992 with a year long engagement at the Mirage showing Nouvelle Experience. A television series, Solstrom, followed and today there are Cirque du Soleil shows all over the world.

The first show we saw, Varekai is based on a Greek myth about Icarus. If you know the myth you’ll remember that Icarus manages to melt his wings by flying too close to the sun, he then falls in to the sea and drowns. In Varekai there’s a twist and instead of drowning Icarus lands in a forest where colourful creatures teach him to fly again.

I had never seen such a colourful show before. It was hard to believe how bendy the Cirque du Soleil contortionists were. My mum absolutely loved the show, and we all agreed it was a completely unique and unforgettable experience.

More about the Las Vegas Cirque du Soleil Shows

Kà Cirque du Soleil

KA is another hit from Cirque du Soleil strongly influenced by the Japanese culture incorporating black and white face painting and martial arts. It tells the story of a set of twins – a brother and sister – who are sent on a perilous journey through trees, mountains and snowstorms. You can’t help but get completely caught up in the show with individual speakers in the headrests of the seats. Get tickets

Mystère Cirque du Soleil

Mystère by Cirque du Soleil is a truly unique show. We’d never seen anything like it. If you’re looking for something different then you’ve found it. The show’s an exciting circus-style production with the cast dressed in vibrant colours with exotic face paints. Get tickets

Via Elvis

This Cirque du Soleil show is a must for Elvis fans! It celebrates the life of the King of Rock and Roll through fabulous dancing and choreography to Elvis Presley’s greatest hits such as Hound Dog and Heartbreak Hotel. Get tickets

Zumanity

Zumanity is one of the hugely popular Cirque du Soleil shows which grace the Las Vegas strip. However, it has a more adult theme than the others– not suitable for the whole family. It’s a piece of art which looks at the subject of sex, tastefully. Get tickets

Le Reve

Le Reve, which is French for ‘the dream’ is based around a number of dream sequences. The show takes place at the custom built Wynn theater. It’s a pretty amazing spectacle with a one-million gallon water tank which allows the cast to enter from the sea and the sky. And the seats are especially luxurious allowing the audience to completely relax. Get tickets

Criss Angel Believe

Magician of the Century Criss Angel, in partnership with Cirque du Soleil, presents CRISS ANGEL Believe, an illusion spectacular. Criss Angel brings his arsenal of magic feats that truly delve deep into the minds of audience members and leave guests in a state of bewilderment, awe and fascination. Get tickets

Love by Cirque du Soleil

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