Cirque du Soleil Alegria Show Tour

I’ve been a big fan of Cirque du Soleil since I saw my first performance of La Nouba at Downtown Disney in Florida many years ago. Since then, I’ve tried to catch shows as they travel around on tour and I’ve even taken in a few shows in Las Vegas, such as Viva Elvis and Zumanity. Tonight, in Baton Rouge, Cirque du Soleil will shine on Red Stick.

Alegría is a classic Cirque du Soleil® production that has received international acclaim and wowed over 10 million people worldwide since it premiered in 1994 in Montreal. After 15 years performing under the big top, Alegría embarked on a new journey in May 2009 and is now presented in arenas throughout the United States and Canada.

A Spanish word for elation, joy and jubilation, Alegría features an international cast of 55 performers and musicians from 15 countries. Alegría has a baroque and operatic style with flamboyant costumes, original music performed live and an elaborate set that serves to enhance the astonishing spectacle of athleticism and artistry. The result is an impressive mix of skill, strength and speed combined with elegant, almost ethereal performances.

The 21⁄2 hour spectacle (with intermission) showcases breathtaking acrobatics including the dramatically sensuous Synchro Trapeze and the high-energy Aerial High Bars where daring aerialists fly to catchers swinging more than 40 feet above the stage. Imagine two agile performers who bring alive the Mongolian art of contortion and artists manipulating flaming knives around their bodies in the rhythmic and dangerous Fire-Knife Dance.

The vibrancy of youth is alive in fast-paced Power Track, a brilliant display of synchronized choreography and tumbling on a trampoline system that is magically revealed under the stage floor. In Russian Bars, artists fly through the air with spectacular somersaults and mid-air twists, landing on 4-inch wide bars perched on the sturdy shoulders of the catchers.

Alegría is more than a show… it is an exciting and unique experience that will captivate all ages.

It isn’t too late to get tickets and I highly recommend that you introduce your family to the wonderful world of Cirque du Soleil. If you miss the show here in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, you can find it in 37 other cities around the United States. Check out the official Cirque du Soleil site for Alegria to find a city near you.