The world’s most popular circus and entertainment troupe, Cirque du Soleil, returns to Dubai on February for a second show in the UAE. The first time they were so successful that more than 80 shows were completely sold out for only two months and the troupe had to stay an extra month.
This time Cirque du Soleil will present their 12th touring production at the Dubai World Trade Centre. The shows will start from February 6 and continue for ten days and will feature Cirque du Soleil’s top-grossing production, the Eastern-themed Dralion, which brought them a Primetime Emmy Award. The strong and energetic Dralion, named after dragon, a symbol of the east, and lion, a symbol of the West, is inspired by the Eastern philosophy and combines contemporary’s effects and magic with the 3,000 year-old Chinese acrobatic tradition.
The show was converted into an arena format but hasn’t been performed for two years, so the Cirque du Soleil team is excited about Dubai. Previous Dubai shows were the 2009 Algeria and 2007 Quidam, both under a Big Top, so the troupe will perform in a Dubai arena for the first time. The schedule is not yet available, but the circus confirmed there will be daily evening shows and weekend matinees. Mac S Far, managing director of Alchemy Project, the organizers of the event, said the shows will be an absolute sellout, so if you want to visit them, you’d better buy your tickets in advance.
Dralion will include single-hand balancing, hoop diving, juggling, contortion and skipping-rope routines. You will also enjoy bamboo poles, gravity-defying ballet and all kinds of aerial acts, but the most impressive will be the acrobatics performed from an 18-metre tall wall made of large perforated aluminum tiles. The décor reminds a medieval armor or a metallic Chinese temple, and is one of the most memorable experiences for every Cirque du Soleil fan. Acrobats jump from the wall onto the three enormous aluminum rings which are suspended in mid-air, which for most viewers is really dangerous and terrifying, but also unique.
Cirque du Soleil is known for admirable techniques and acrobatics which are usually too extravagant and dangerous. The troupe however became popular for their perfect performances, fascinating costumes and make-up, as well as for the unique decors and music. In 2010 performer Guy Laliberte was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and in just recently, Cirque du Soleil’s film by producer James Cameron, Cirque du Soleil: World’s Away 3D hit the big screen.
Early next month Dubai will welcome in more than 100 acrobats, technicians, chefs, a wardrobe team and more from the Cirque du Soleil amazing crew. The tickets for the shows go on sale on Wednesday and are from Dh295 to Dh2,295.
