Le Cirque du Soleil, sous la pluie

               

Last night we had the opportunity to see the world famous Cirque du Soleil perform live, outside under the highways of Québec City. We all stood on uneven, gravel ground (and had the rain pour down for a short time!) for about one hour to see the show. Quel spectacle!  Unfortunately, it was a shorter show last night because of the weather, but certainly the performers wowed us with their acrobatics and unique style.

Many people don't realize that the Cirque du Soleil is québécois by nationality. Founded in 1984 by two Quebec street performers, the company is based out of Montréal now and is world renowned, particulary in Las Vegas where it now has two permanent shows. It is described as "contemporary circus because of its "theatrical, character-driven approach and the absence of performing animals" . It really is a combination of acrobats, circus and street performance with a live musical soundtrack.

As a way to to pay hommage to their roots and to thank the people of Québec, the Cirque offers free one-hour shows every evening during the summer months in Québec City. I read that this also provides good training ground and practice for junior members and for the troupe to try out new shows and ideas.

C'est magnifique!