Cirque du Soleil

Cirque du Soleil began as a humble troupe of street performers in the early 1980s in Baie-Saint-Paul, a quaint village along the St. Laurent River near Quebec City. Founded by Gilles Ste-Croix, the group known as Les Échassiers honed their craft in public squares, captivating onlookers with their vibrant blend of artistry and acrobatics. Among them was Guy Laliberté, who, recognizing the potential of their evolving performances, led the charge in 1984 to take the show on tour across Quebec. This journey marked the 450th anniversary of Jacques Cartier’s arrival in Canada and introduced audiences to a new vision of the circus—one without animals, grounded instead in storytelling, athleticism, and visual wonder.

The troupe's breakthrough on the international stage came in 1987 with their first U.S. tour, which launched Cirque du Soleil into the global spotlight. Their innovative approach to circus performance reached new heights in 1993 with Mystère, the company’s first permanent show. Performed in a custom-built theatre on the Las Vegas Strip, Mystère became a cultural phenomenon and remains a must-see production decades later. With its dazzling visuals and boundary-pushing feats, it solidified Cirque du Soleil’s reputation as a trailblazer in live entertainment.

Today, Cirque du Soleil operates on a truly global scale, producing shows across Asia, Europe, South America, and beyond. Their productions—each a unique fusion of art, music, movement, and design—continue to evolve while staying rooted in the company’s commitment to innovation and excellence. Despite its worldwide presence, Cirque du Soleil remains proudly tethered to its Quebecois roots, with its International Headquarters in Montreal serving as a creative hub for over 1,300 artists from 55 countries.

At the heart of every Cirque du Soleil show is the performer—the acrobats, dancers, musicians, and artists whose passion and creativity breathe life into each production. Each show features between 50 to 100 performers who work collaboratively to push artistic and physical boundaries. As Cirque du Soleil enters its fourth decade, its commitment to artistic innovation, cultural diversity, and the celebration of human potential continues to inspire and enchant audiences around the world.