19:35, 29-May-2018
Cirque Du Soleil: World's foremost circus company expands presence in China
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Indeed, Cirque du Soleil has enjoyed acclaim and popularity far and wide. The Canadian entertainment company now runs some 20 shows in hundreds of cities worldwide. Let's take a look at how the company rose to prominence.
Based in Montreal, Canada, Cirque du Soliel sprung from humble beginnings, set up by two former street performers in 1984. Following the success of its Le Grand Tour the same year, the company soon established itself as a shining example of contemporary circus. It's since earned a distinction for its trademark character-driven approach and the absence of performing animals.
The nineties and aughts saw the fastest expansion of Cirque du Soleil, which grew from one show to some 20 productions in cities on every continent except Antarctica. Its multiple permanent Las Vegas shows alone play to more than 9,000 people a night, some five percent of the city's visitors.
The company's creations have received numerous prizes and distinctions, including a Bambi Award, three Drama Desk Awards, four Primetime Emmy Awards, and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Right now it is developing a permanent show in the Xintiandi commercial complex in the East China city of Hangzhou. The theatre will have two rotating islands with 700 seats each. The cast is said to be at least 50 percent Chinese, and Cirque du Soleil promises the show will have a "local flavor". Its soft opening is scheduled at the end of this year.