Basically, I’ve tried writing an intro to this post four times so it doesn’t sound like a commercial. But I seriously can’t help it. I’m practically giddy over here because I get to giveaway FOUR tickets to Cirque du Soleiel’s Amaluna in Atlanta!
Y’all. I’ve been to Cirque du Soleiel’s La Nouba in Orlando (Thank you, Disney Mom’s Panel!) and to Totem here in Atlanta and I told my husband it’s one of those things that you need to save your money to go to–even once in your lifetime because it is so amazing.
I’m a sucker for a circus anyway. I love the old circuses with the wagons and fat ladies and striped tents. I love imagining that lifestyle–being talented in such a crazy way and then traveling around the country stopping in dirty little towns to entertain. It seems so romantic and exotic. (Ooh, did you ever see Big Fish? That’s one of my favorite circus stories.)
Anywhoo. I was invited to see the new Amaluna show (well, new to Atlanta) last week and I pretty much walked out of that striped tent with the same level of brain mush as the last time. I cannot describe how astonishing the performers of Cirque are.
Let me show you a few highlights…
Yes, I know this girl is scantily clad but it’s mainly because she did a one-handed handstand for about 12 minutes—ON A POLE. Plus, splits and flips and all sorts of other insanity. Y’all. I can barely do a handstand against the wall at CrossFit for 45 seconds. Seriously.
Then. With absolutely no music, this girl gets up and has every single person in the tent spellbound as she picks up these sticks WITH HER FEET and balances them all one stick. What in the world?!
Look at this costuming. I mean, seriously. I thought he really was a lizard.
Oh yeah, I forgot to tell you. The handstand girl also did flips into the water.
There were gymnasts dressed like Amazon women. Only instead of Summer Olympics Gymnasts, they were like action-packed, synchronized, gymnastic Amazon women.
And a man who was so strong he could walk up a pole with his hands. Or his pinkies. Or maybe his hair. Again, my CrossFit pride has been dashed after watching the power and strength and beauty of this guy simple climbing up and down this pole.
I thought the Lizard Man was just you know, a lizard man. Then, he ended the show with one of the best juggling (FIRE JUGGLING) routines I’ve ever seen. (And you are probably not surprised to know, I’ve seen a lot.)
I actually sat in the tent before it started thinking, “I hope I like this one as much as the other two. I wonder if you continue to go to Cirque if you kinda get used to it and it’s not as awesome?” UHM. NO.
Amaluna actually had a little more story line to it than the other semi-new-age-y shows I’ve seen before. This one was a love story between a boy and a girl—and the people (and lizards) standing in their way. So, there was a little more sensuality to it. Not sexuality. Not even PG13. But hey–just letting you know in case you think they are just juggling and doing handstands–this one actually has a story and heart!
After the show, I had the opportunity to meet a performer and her husband (also an employee and former performer of Cirque). I was a total geek wanting to get all the info about how the shows are run, how they choreograph and work together creatively.
When you see the acts you wonder, “Were these acts made for the show? Or was the show made around the acts?” because the acts are so incredible it’s hard to imagine how they imagined it! Apparently, there’s lots of fluidity to the acts. Of course, these performers are artists so they are always thinking of new ways to perform and challenge themselves. There is a bit of growth and change in the acts as the show goes on.
I think it’s such an amazing lifestyle–being around a small group of people (150, I think they said) who are artists, performers, actors, musicians and technical folks and performing night after night. It’s got to be a rush! Plus, they stay in a town for 2-3 months so imagine getting to know so many towns around the world!! The performer we talked to was on the tour for 2 and a half years and even if she only toured for that short time–what an experience she has had.
I just love it. I want to be in a circus. I mean, if they let former puppeteers and people who are good at sending tweets in the circus.
We sat in the $55 section (I think) and I’ll tell you, when I sat down I wasn’t thrilled. The stage is in the round and we were at 3:00, in the very last row. But as the show began, the performers (and the stage itself) rotated so I never felt like I was missing a thing. It was gorgeous.
(If you’re contemplating entering because you life a couple hours away, I think you should do it. Totally worth a mini vacation.)
I was invited to attend Cirque du Soleil’s Amaluna as a member of the media. They are giving the coupon code and tickets away out of the goodness of their artistic little hearts. I’m not being compensated for this and all words are my own. Pictures are property of Cirque du Soleil.
Cass Brannan says
I have never actually been to one of these shows, but would love the opportunity to go. It looks incredibly amazing and so much fun too. This would be a great date night with my wife and also being another couple along for the show as well. Sure hope I get picked!!! 🙂
Janie says
Darryl and I have never been but would love to win tickets. It is amazing to see the clips of how talented they are. Too bad Amazing Gracie is too old to join the troupes. lol
Julie G. says
Oh! I would LOVE to go! I haven’t been in over 15 years and would love to take the kids.
Charity says
I have seen one show about 8-10 years ago. A friend and I went for our birthdays. It was magical. My girls and I have watch several on tv. We love it. I remember when a lady at the one I went to picked up 10 or so hullahoops and made it look like art. I knew then I had missed my calling in life, I wanted to be her.
Nancy says
I’ve never been to a Cirque show, but it’s on the bucket list! Every time I read a review like yours, it makes me what to experience this amazingness! I think it would be the perfect three-generation GNO for my daughter, her two grandmothers and myself!
Becky G says
I went to cirque a few years ago and adored it. My new husband has never been and we were just talking about how we wish we could afford it this year. Plus, it’s right before Bailey’s bday so I could use this as a present! Fingers crossed.
Desiree Thornton says
Amanda, Paul and I were given tickets one year for Christmas…about 8 years ago. We loved the show and I was super impressed with the amount of talent that each of the performers possess. I would love to be able to take my daughter Elizabeth and son Alex! Thanks for your consideration!
Jennifer says
I’ve always wanted to go! Sounds pretty amazing. Pick me!!!!!;)
Cassie says
I have never been to a Cirque du Soleil show but love the circus. When my husband and I were dating, I hinted at how much I love love love the circus. So every year for Valentine’s Day, he got us tickets to see the circus. Now we take our son for Valentine’s Day! The AmaLuna show is close to my husband’s birthday and I would love to take him this year!
Trish Dowling says
we have never been to a cirque show and have always wanted to go! would make a great family staycation!!
Lynda says
I have been to Ovo and Totem….amazing! I oooed and ahhhhhed like a little girl. It was a delight! I would love to go again.
Holly Ferrero says
never been to a Cirque show but would love to. Went to Big Apple a few months ago and loved it, even though I have a lifelong fear of clowns.
deborah says
i live in gwinnett and have driven by atlantic station many times over the last few years and always want to go when i see the big tents. i’ve always wanted to see cirque–i mean seeing the beauty God designed as the human body seems like it would be amazing during the show. what an awesome giveaway!
Kelly says
Oh I would so love to go to a show. I like traveling and having all kinds of different experiences. I could so write this off my bucket to do list. Love all the pics and it is so amazing how anyone could do these awesome shows they do. They are very talented.
Andrea says
I’ve always wanted to see a Cirque du Soleil show under the tent! As someone who is uncoordinated and not very flexible, I’m in awe of people with Cirque-like talents.
Sumita Dalmia says
I have always wanted to visit the Cirque shows when they come to Atlanta but usually can’t afford them for my family– the opportunity to win 4 tickets would truly be the BEST way to start the holiday season and i can’t think of anything we would rather do as a family! I would be thrilled to be one of the lucky ones under the Big Top in Atlanta– thank you for the opportunity, I will be crossing my fingers and toes 🙂
Kristen says
Ooh, ooh, ooh! I LOVE these shows! Pick me, pick me!!!!!!!
Fibia says
We love Cirque – saw a couple of their shows and would really like to see this one. We’ve not been able to fit it in the budget for the past 4 years. The Cirque’s artists are incredible. The costumes, lights, the whole show is so greatly produced, it only makes you want to go to all their productions.
Thank you for the giveaway.
Allison H says
Never been but that looks so amazing! Would love to win tickets.
Jessica roesener says
We would love to take our kids to it. We all love theater, dance and the circus would just be amazing to go see because I know they would all love it! We have never been able to attend because of price so winning tickets would be amazing! We have watched on TV but that’s the closet we’ve goten. Please pick us for the tickets
Stacey says
I grew up going to the circus with my grandparents – under a real Big Top – not to the coliseum like they do now. Such wonderfully, sweet memories of my childhood. And I have always dreamed of taking my girls to a Cirque show. Please pick us!!! 🙂
Stephanie says
Although living in the Atlanta area for most of my life, I’ve never been to a Cirque show- would really love to though. I have a teenage daughter who is a cheerleader who loves to tumble who would LOVE to watch these talented performers. It would also be a great experience for my kids who we are fostering to adopt. Pick us 😉
LeeAnn Taylor {The Mosaic Life} says
I’ve never been but it’s on my “would love to do sometime” list for sure! I’m 6 months pregnant with baby #3 and this would be a great overnight trip for my husband and I to take with another couple before the baby comes. Thanks for sharing your experience and the amazing pictures. It was a fun email to wake up to this morning!
Kate in GA says
Totally breath-taking! We have never been to a Cirque show (thought it was a PG13 type of show), but after reading your review of it not being PG13 and seeing your pics, we would love to go and take the two dds. It looks like it would be amazing and with the rotating stage and the fire juggling lizard man (wouldn’t that be a costume to take to a masquerade ball!)…it would be a lifetime memory making excursion for our entire family! And we could so be there on that day at that time! Wahoo!
Elisabeth says
This show looks so amazing! My Stepdad introduced me to Cirque de Soleil when I was around 11, we watched a special on t.v. Since then, I’ve always wanted to go to see the show in person! If I won I’d be so thrilled! 🙂
Kasey Doggett says
I’m not big on circuses. Never have been. Mostly because of the animals. After seeing Dumbo as a child I didn’t like the idea of animals being used. But I’ve always been curious. The idea of Cirque has intrigued me because here are no animals, from what I understand. Would love to see this show. It’d be a perfect anniversary outing, even if we are five hours away from Atlanta. 🙂
Kelly McDonald says
oh Amanda- I LOVE Cirque!! Love love love it! I’ve been to two shows here in Atlanta and would love to see my third. My boyfriend, John, has never seen a Cirque show but when I was describing it to him he said it would be something he would be very interested in. Please pick me so I can experience the magic of Cirque again and share it for the first time with John 🙂
Thank you!
Michelle G says
I like a circus too, although I’ve had a couple of local small circus acts that have left me feeling a bit creeped out! I’d love to take my kids to see this one though so pick me! PICK ME! 🙂
Kim Cristofanelli says
Oh how neat! We’ve never been to anything like this and would love the opportunity!! Thanks….
Leigh Anne Borders says
I have never been to a Cirque de Soleil show. I have seen many pictures and read alot of reviews. The shows seem mesmerizing. I would love the chance to see this in person!
April C says
My family has never been to a Cirque de Soleil show and would love the opportunity! I know Cirque de Soleil has reinvented the circus and I can only imagine how amazing the show will be. We are available that night too. Thank you for offering this, Amanda.
Erin Bleisath says
Coming from a clown history I’m always had a love for the circus too. My kids and I would enjoy this a lot.
Carol Ann Hollenbeck says
Oh how I would love to go! It would be a perfect date night for Craig and I. Several people have raved about it this year which amped up our desire to go! It would be the perfect Thanksgiving Teacher’s Gift….just saying!:)
stacia Kartsonis says
I’ve always loved watching it on tv & dreamed of going to see it live…life’s just not made that possible…but i sure could use something for me! 🙂
Wendy says
We went waaayyyy back when (I wish I could remember the name of the Cirque show we saw!), before I was a mom, as a team-building perk at work. It was completely amazing! I would love to experience it again. We aren’t regular circus goers because of the whole animal thing, but this is everything I love about the regular circus, without the flicker of guilt!