It has been described as the modern circus, and focuses upon a storyline as well as amazing performances. It has several resident and touring troupes and draws heavily from the circus tradition. Emphasizing the use of humans as performers, Cirque du Soleil does not make use of animals. Instead, its performances combine elements of street performances and busking, circus, opera, ballet, and rock music. Acts include contortionists, jugglers, feats of strength, clowning, and trapeze artists. Their costumes are very colorful and creative, setting a festive and lively atmosphere. Also, Cirque shows do not use pre-recorded music; all music is played live.
Cirque shows begin as a creative concept, usually with elements of a central story line, a design concept and the selection of a composer for the music. These elements remain relatively constant throughout the production run of a given show.
However, the shows also include both "house" and "guest" acts. House acts are performed by the full-time cast members, some whom may be involved in several routines. Not all prepared routines are presented in every performance. Guest acts rotate in and out over the run of the show (clowns are typically guest acts). As a result, Cirque shows can vary somewhat performance to performance, and shows tend to evolve over time.
Cirque creators borrow from some of circus's earliest forms (for example, banquine and teeterboard acts) but also regularly introduce new apparatus. For example, Cirque introduced the use of bungie cords to aerial acts and created a modified tumbling trampoline called a Power Track, both of which have since been adopted by other circuses.
Cirque du Soleil recruits acts from different world circuses, including from China and Russia, blending them into their own style.
Among veteran circus performers, Cirque is regarded as one of the world's best circuses, due to higher than normal pay scales and benefits.
Cirque du Soleil has produced a number of performance DVDs and soundtrack CDs.
The troupe was inducted into Canada's Walk of Fame.
Don't be Afraid
Cirque Du Soleil Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
un dala chupatcho na
ko radu mi air
torumi ney
un dala chopatcho na
ko ra du mi air
torumi neyyu soa frey va nitzia muno
un dala chupatcho na
torumi ney
un dala chopatcho na
ko ra du mi air
torumi ney
The lyrics of Cirque Du Soleil's song Don't be Afraid are in a made-up language known as "Cirquish." However, this does not necessarily make the lyrics incomprehensible as they can still convey meaning and emotion through their melody and delivery. The repetition and melody create a hypnotic effect that contributes to the overall ethereal and mysterious atmosphere of the song.
The tone of the lyrics and the song, in general, are meant to convey a sense of comfort and reassurance to the listener, encouraging them to not be afraid. The use of the made-up language could be interpreted as a way to reach a broader audience beyond those who speak a specific language. By using a language that is unique to their performances, Cirque Du Soleil has developed a language that is international and accessible to people from all around the world.
The lyrics are also representative of the unique quality of Cirque Du Soleil's shows, which often blend elements of circus performance and music. The lyrics create a sense of mystery and wonder, much like the performances themselves. Through their lyrics, Cirque Du Soleil is inviting their audience to be a part of a world that is unlike anything they have experienced before.
Line by Line Meaning
yu soa frey va nitzia muno
Don't let fear hold you back
un dala chupatcho na
Embrace the unknown
ko radu mi air
Accept challenges and face them head on
torumi ney
Have faith in yourself
un dala chopatcho na
Find joy in the journey
ko ra du mi air
Rise above your fears
torumi ney
Believe in your abilities
yu soa frey va nitzia muno
Don't let fear limit your potential
un dala chupatcho na
Explore new possibilities
ko radu mi air
Take risks and learn from mistakes
torumi ney
Trust that you can overcome obstacles
un dala chopatcho na
Experience the thrill of the unknown
ko ra du mi air
Inspire others by facing your fears
torumi ney
Believe that you can achieve your dreams
Contributed by Matthew O. Suggest a correction in the comments below.