When you think of Cirque du Soleil, you imagine a fantastical world under the big top. But Corteo, Cirque du Soleil’s latest marvel, has taken a delightful detour. They’ve made a comfortable home inside Ottawa’s Canadian Tire Centre until July 2nd, and the stage setup? A brilliant spectacle that mirrored the audience, offering a unique feel of intimacy, like we’re all part of a whimsical secret society.
It’s Cirque du Soleil, so naturally, you’re in for an abundance of daring feats, each more extraordinary than the last. We’re talking about acts that will leave your jaw dropping, heart racing, and if you’re like me, your cheeks aching from an unshakeable grin.
Corteo – Italian for procession – is the dream of Mauro, a clown who imagines his own funeral as a merry carnival. As macabre as that may sound, it is filled with joy, laughter, and a hint of cheekiness. This is the funeral we’d all want – one where we are truly alive.
Acts that particularly caught my eye included the daring ‘Chandeliers,’ an aerial spectacle where women performed ballet in the air and, honestly, will now always be what I envision when listening to Sia’s song ‘Chandelier.’ I also couldn’t get enough of ‘Paradis,’ a captivating performance where the thrill of trampoline acrobatics meets the finesse of high-flying maneuvers, transforming the stage into a wonderland of gravity-defying feats. And who could forget the delightful bed-bouncing scene? A nostalgic nod to our childhood fantasies where the laws of gravity were nothing more than a playful challenge to be defied.
However, the crown jewel of the evening was, undoubtedly, the ‘Helium Dance.’ This whimsical act, strung together with delicate balloons and buoyant laughter, was a masterstroke. We, the audience, were caught in a tug of war between sheer amusement and wide-eyed worry. Would the petite clowness ever return to the ground? Could a balloon pop? The suspense was palpable, and we were completely enthralled. That’s Cirque du Soleil for you – drawing you in and leaving you suspended in their world, long after the curtains fall.
What always astounds me about Cirque du Soleil is their ability to dance on the tightrope of emotions. At one moment, you’re gasping at the death-defying ‘Tournik’ act, the next, you’re swept up in the tender romance of the ‘Duo-Straps.’ They know just when to pull at your heartstrings, and when to make them zing with excitement.
Corteo is no different. It’s a master puppeteer, tugging you this way and that, in rhythm with its spectacle. And the best part? You’ll love every twist and turn.
Once again, Cirque du Soleil has managed to wrap reality in a dream, enticing us to forget the world outside and just be in the moment. And when they say goodbye to Ottawa, the troupe is off to Kingston, carrying Mauro’s dream with them. If you haven’t seen Corteo yet, I implore you to grab the opportunity. It’s an experience that you will want to relive, just as I would love to – over and over again.
Beat the January Blues With These 10 Budget-Friendly Tips
