Although several Cirque productions, such as Criss Angel Believe, are permanently based in hotels and convention centers, various other shows are elements of a larger Cirque Du Soleil tour. Programs such as Dralion and Quidam maintain an active, intensive touring schedule, undertaking performances multiple times each week in new venues around the country and world. In recent years, the organizers behind Cirque Du Soleil have created a number of programs dedicated to talented, world-renowned performance artists such as Michael Jackson, Elvis Presley and The Beatles. Each of these shows involves music, stage design and performance acts which serve as an homage to some of the world's most memorable performers and legendary cultural icons.
Formed in 1980 by Guy Laliberté and Daniel Gauthier, Cirque Du Soleil has rapidly evolved from a two-man touring act to an international phenomenon, entertaining audiences and fans in theaters around the world. Following a successful tour of Canada sponsored in part by a government arts grant, Cirque Du Soleil first rose to international prominence in 1984 following Laliberté's decision to employ Guy Caron, formerly of the national circus school, as Cirque Du Soleil's artistic designer. Since then, Laliberté and
Caron have auditioned and subsequently employed some of the world's most talented performers and stage acts, ensuring the longevity and renown of Cirque Du Soleil for years to come. The organization distinguishes itself from traditional circus acts through its unique choreography, sophisticated staging and roster of acclaimed performers. Marketing itself as "nouveau cirque," Laliberté and his creative team abstain from using animals within its productions, opting instead to create unique, never-before-
Tickets for each of the upcoming Cirque Du Soleil productions can be purchased through Internet Ticket Outlet at http://internetticketoutlet.com/
