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.
Once Upon A Time
Cirque Du Soleil Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Said the Storyteller
[Music Break]
Boys Hold Our Laughter And Tears
[Music Break]
In A Corner of A Room
[Music and Singing certain keys]
(Thanks to Kati for these lyrics)
The opening lyrics of Cirque du Soleil's "Once Upon a Time" song set the tone for a magical tale narrated by a storyteller. The lyrics set the stage for the audience to suspend their disbelief and be transported into a whimsical world of wonder and imagination. The line "Once Upon A Time Began A Tale" suggests that the story is about to commence, and the storyteller is about to share something enchanting and inexplicable.
The next line "Boys Hold Our Laughter And Tears" indicates that the tale may contain emotions that will engender laughter and tears. It's a warning to prepare oneself emotionally for the journey that is about to unfold. The lyrics transport the listeners into "A Corner of A Room" where the scenes of the storybook unveil in front of them. The music and singing accentuate the spatial qualities of the setting and invite the listener to immerse themselves in the narrative fully.
The song's lyrics evoke the essence of storytelling and the power of imagination to build a world beyond our reality. The song ably captures the essence of Cirque du Soleil's penchant for bringing together music, acrobatics, and narrative to create a magical experience for audiences.
Line by Line Meaning
Once Upon A Time Began A Tale
The beginning of a story is marked by the phrase 'once upon a time'.
Said the Storyteller
The story is being told by a storyteller.
Boys Hold Our Laughter And Tears
The audience, represented by the 'boys', will experience a range of emotions throughout the performance.
In A Corner of A Room
The setting of the story is a specific location within a larger space.
[Music and Singing certain keys]
The performance includes music and singing that complements the storytelling.
Contributed by Lauren D. Suggest a correction in the comments below.