At A Glance
Born: 1984, during the 450th anniversary of the arrival of Jacques Cartier in Canada
Where: Gaspé, QC
|
|
|
Since 1984, Montreal-based Cirque du Soleil has thrilled more than 33 million spectators in over 130 cities worldwide. But it
was the daring vision of Guy Laliberté that was the driving force behind Quebec's first internationally renowned circus.
Baie-Saint-Paul, Quebec is known for its panoramic landscapes, charming streets, and thriving arts culture. In this haven of
creativity, young street performers routinely delighted tourists by walking on stilts, juggling, and eating fire. In
1982 Laliberté, a multi-talented street performer from Quebec City, began working with local talent to reinvent the circus.
He envisioned a striking balance of theatre, dance, circus arts, and street entertainment.
In 1984, Cirque du Soleil was born, debuting in Gaspé, Quebec before touring ten other cities across the province. One
year later, the performers premiered their magic in Ontario and Vancouver, and raised Cirque's first trademark blue-and-yellow
Grand Chapiteau, capable of seating 800. Today's Grand Chapiteau now seats 2,500.
Between 1987 and 1989, Cirque du Soleil toured the United States with We Reinvent the Circus.
Music remains at the heart of every Cirque du Soleil experience. In 1990, the company premiered Nouvelle Expérience while
sending We Reinvent the Circus on its first sold out tour of Europe, beginning in London and Paris. Among Cirque du Soleil's
2,500 employees and artists, over 40 nationalities are represented and 25 different languages are spoken.
The company's 90-minute television special, Cirque du Soleil Presents Dralion, won three primetime Emmy Awards in 2001.
In 2002, Cirque du Soleil simultaneously presents eight different shows on four continents including Alegria touring the
Asia-Pacific, Quidam and Dralion on tour in the United States, Saltimbanco (the company's oldest production still on the road)
on tour in Europe, Mystère and "O" in Las Vegas, and La Nouba at the Walt Disney resort in Florida.
Canada's Walk of Fame Trivia: The first Cirque du Soleil performance was to celebrate the 450th anniversary of French
explorer Jacques Cartier's arrival in Canada in 1534.
|
Inductees
