Based in Montreal, QC and the largest theatrical producer on Earth, Cirque du Soleil is one of the world’s most unique experiences. This theatrical experience has a proud Canadian heritage and has gone on to delight audiences around the world.
While you’ll have to try Las Vegas to see the real thing, here at POP! Events, we can provide a range of Cirque-inspired performers including acrobats, contortionists, fire breathers and other stage performers for your corporate event. Whenever our fantastic cirque performers put on their show at our clients’ corporate events, the question inevitably comes up: “Have you ever been to Cirque Du Soleil?” It’s hard not to think of the world’s most famous circus performance whenever you see these talented dancers.
But we bet there are a few things that you don’t know about the Cirque du Soleil phenomenon. Let’s take a look at the history of Cirque Du Soleil.
Humble beginnings
The co-founder of the show, Guy Laliberté, knew from an early age that he wanted to be a performer. He quit school as soon as he could and traveled throughout Europe earning a living as a busker and street performer. Upon returning to Canada, he set up a show with his friends called Les Échassiers in his hometown of Baie St. Paul, Quebec. It was a financial failure. Not to be deterred, he and his colleagues continued honing their craft and coming up with new ideas.
A big break from the government of Canada
Laliberté and his partners wanted to set up a show, and after his partner Gilles Ste-Croix walked from Baie-Ste-Paul to Quebec City on stilts (a distance of 90 kilometers!), the government of Canada awarded them a huge grant to put on a show for the celebration of the 450th year anniversary of the voyage of Jacques Cartier. With the success of his new show entitled Cirque du Soleil, he was able secure more funding and turn it into a proper touring show.
The top of the world and beyond
With constant reinvention, expansion, and honing of their craft, Cirque du Soleil has expanded from a group of street performers to a wildly popular Las Vegas mainstay and the largest theatrical company on Earth. Laliberté himself has even gone into space! It just goes to show where sticking to your vision can get you.
Cirque performers are some of the most intriguing and mesmerizing artists on the planet, and their dedication, dexterity and natural dance talents consistently delight audiences of all ages. It’s exciting to know the history behind Cirque du Soleil, the largest theatrical company on Earth, and how they have inspired all of the great performers we have to offer – check out our amazing Cirque champagne pourers and add a little spice to your next corporate event!