What is Cirque Du Soleil?

Cirque du Soleil History

Originating in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, Cirque du Soleil has actually been around since 1980, though it did not reach its international acclaim until years later. Founded by two street performers, Laliberté and Ste-Croix, these men envisioned a performance that would surpass the traditional circus tents and amaze audiences with acrobatic feats. While the company struggled during its first years, with the help of national grants and additional funding, what we now know as Cirque du Soleil was began to expand in the 1990s. Today, the company describes itself as being a “dramatic mix of circus arts and street entertainment".

The Shows

Today, Cirque performs 21 shows and has 9 retired shows, but the circus is always looking for ways to add new and innovative plots to this contemporary shows. While the original idea behind Cirque was to remain a touring show, much like a traditional circus, its popularity soon allowed the company to claim residency in several major cities. Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Orlando, and Macau, China host resident shows, though Cirque has traveled to cities such as Moscow, London, Paris, New York, Sydney, Buenos Aires, Prague, Athens, Tel Aviv, Taipei, and many more.

Each of Cirque’s 21 running shows has a completely unique storyline, and while the overall show is focused on being abstract, there is a plot for you traditional theatre-goers. Cirque du Soleil has a show for everyone, ranging from comedies to dramas to burlesque; Cirque has striven to make their show accessible to every age group and interest.

Cirque du Soleil in Vegas

Las Vegas wins the medal for being host to the most resident Cirque du Soleil shows. If you want the most Cirque variety, the Vegas strip is the place to be. Entertaining over 9,000 guests a night, the Cirque du Soleil shows in Vegas are a huge draw to tourists and locals alike. While 2012 is a bit of a transition stage for some Cirque du Soleil shows, current and announced resident shows number 7, with an 8th show coming in 2013. Below find a list of shows to choose from when visiting Sin City.