During the holiday months, my husband and I managed to see the latest Cirque du Soleil show in town Kooza. I’d have to say that I am a big fan of the Cirque shows, I’ve seen most of the ones in Las Vegas (O, Ka, Zarkana, Mystere, Zumanity) and I would have to say my favourite show so far has been Totem that toured recently here in Vancouver.

I think there might be a misconception as to what to expect from a Cirque du Soleil performance – my husband initially thought it’d be too ‘artsy’ for his liking, but he enjoyed each show we’ve watched. If you are unfamiliar with Cirque du Soleil, they combine acrobatics and comedy with some jaw dropping experiences and I’d definitely recommend you check it out!

kooza cirque du soleil
Image supplied by Cirque du Soleil.

I feel that we live in a time where we’re over exposed to a lot of content online and there is very little of that magic that piques our curiousity. Cirque du Soleil brings me back to that feeling of wonderment. It also gives me the utmost respect for these performers who toil away at their craft – not quite something that could fit in a normal 9-5 job.

Kooza is consistent in the Cirque shows I’ve seen previously when it comes to the marvels. Kooza follows the story of The Innocent and the Trickster, where a swapping of power happens that bring both characters’ imaginations to life. Throughout the main story, there is a sprinkling of comic relief with “The King” and his two clowns – that often involves the audience.

kooza cirque du soleil
Image supplied by Cirque du Soleil.

My favourites of the 9 acts performed were the Wheel of Death, High Wire and the Contortionists.

kooza cirque du soleil
Image supplied by Cirque du Soleil.

I first encountered the Wheel of Death when I watched Zarkana in Las Vegas – and when I saw the promo reel for Kooza, I really wanted Brian to experience it first hand since he did not see it with me. This is the largest piece of all the acts, weighing at 1600 pounds with a wheel on either side that spin with the artists powering it’s speed. The two artists leap and counter rotate the structure in acrobatics and some serious teamwork. To see the artists free fall as it spins and some almost near misses stunned and had the crowd either scared half to death or oohing over these death-defying feats. Frankly, I was too mesmerized to react either way but huge kudos to those two artists – how do they even practice for such a thing??

kooza cirque du soleil
Image supplied by Cirque du Soleil.

The High Wire act was another favourite because with Cirque du Soleil, there is always that one (or two, or five..) act that makes me state in my mind, “There is no way they can make this more crazier or up the ante on this.” and they do, and they obliterate what I think is even humanly possible. Working on two high wires (one above another), one at 15 feet and the other at 25 feet above the stage, four tightrope walkers showcase their insane balancing skills, first with some regular tightrope walking and then progressively blowing our minds with two bikes balancing one performer standing on a chair with just a pole (see photo!). If there was one act that made me super nervous, it would be this one. But of course these professionals pulled it off without a hitch and I could breathe normally again.

kooza cirque du soleil
Image supplied by Cirque du Soleil.

Finally, my other favourite act would be the contortionists. Three performers contort in ways I didn’t think the human body could move. Another jaw dropping act where my reaction is “How is this even real??”.

Kooza first premiered in April 2007 and has travelled world wide with over 5 million people having seen it. All costumes are custom made for each performer mostly at the Costume workshop in Montreal.

Kooza was easily one of the best Cirque shows I’ve seen, and if you have not seen it, let’s hope you’ll get a chance to in the future! I can’t wait for the next Cirque show to arrive in town!