Cirque du Soleil: Luzia

 
Under Cirque du Soleil's signature tent is where the magic happens and tonight was no exception. This time, Cirque du Soleil did not bring their iconic yellow and blue tent and despite the new tent, the show still remained one that captured the hearts of audiences of all ages. The show's title "Luzia" is a word created from two words, "luz" Spanish for light and "lluvia" which means rain. It's no surprise that the "Circus of the Sun" (direct translation of Cirque du Soleil) brings imagery of both light and rain in nearly aspect of this show. It should also come as no surprise that the cutting-edge Cirque is making new words as they are constantly breaking new ground.

Cirque du Soleil's Luzia brings a new level of complexity with it. Each act provides more intense risks that performers take. The added element of water, creates a stunning image and for those sitting in the front row, prepare yourself for the possibility of feeling a splash of water, if not more than that as was the case for one albeit unsuspecting audience member who was sitting in a front row aisle seat when one soaking wet trapeze artist sauntered closer than expected!

Based on the major theme of a "Mexican dream", Luzia brings audiences on a surreal experience through a dream-like state. It is in this dream that the audience experiences performances on giant treadmills, through hoops, and up high on the trapeze. Luzia leads audiences on a journey through terrain as diverse as the performers in the show. The show takes place in many marvels of the world including the ocean, desert, jungle, and an under the sea kingdom. Within each new terrain are new larger-than-life characters bringing with them breathtaking costumes and performances.The show continues to wow and amaze from start to finish. See Luzia for yourself under the tent at Suffolk Downs from July 27 to August 12, 2018.

Full details and show schedule can be found: https://www.cirquedusoleil.com/luzia

Year in Review: Golden Rules 2017

It is that time of year: time for the Year in Review, a timeless tradition.  As with each of The Red Balloon's Review, we need to reflect on some prior Golden Rules.

If you need to review Golden Rules 1 and 2 then go here:

http://theredballoonreport.blogspot.com/2014/01/year-in-review.html

In case you need a refresher of Golden Rules 3 and 4 then follow this link:

http://theredballoonreport.blogspot.com/2014/12/year-in-reflection-2014.html

And, if you need to, you can find Golden Rules 5, 6, and 7 here:

http://theredballoonreport.blogspot.com/2015/12/year-in-review-2015.html

Okay now that you have completed your time travel experience you are ready to return your seats to the upright position and venture to the future:

Golden Rule #8: The future is now, "Grasp your dreams as if it had handles, for you're the only one who can turn it around." Remember that dreams are essential and that you are the one to take charge and make things happen!

Golden Rule #9: "Great Spirits have always encountered violent opposition from mediocre minds." Those words are not The Red Balloon's but rather Albert Einstein. He made this quote many years ago, but it is one that rings true in present-day. There are going to be barriers and obstacles in the way of dreams so as always be positive, be prepared, and be proactive...gosh that sounds like it could be another Golden Rule!

Here's to a new year, 2018, a year full of dreams taking flight!

Sincerely,

The Red Balloon   

Cirque du Soliel: Kurios

“People might think that we set out to reinvent the circus, and then just did it. But things did not happened that way. We were a bunch of crazy people who wanted to do things, and little by little we came to a vision of what the modern circus could be.”
René Dupéré, music composer for 10 Cirque du Soleil shows

Under the auspices of their signature yellow and blue tents, Cirque du Soleil brings Kurios, written and directed by Michael Laprise, to life. Under those tents, Cirque implores you to enter a new world. If you enter, you will find wonders in this curios. It is here that all things are possible. Performers are challenged to perform their art - whether it be acts of contortion, the upside down world, or flying through the air on the trapeze - and Kurios enables each artist to bring their talents to a whole new level. One that is out of this world.

Cirque du Soleil's Kurios is a marvel for any age. Anyone can enjoy this timeless tale which embodies what one can do if he or she dare to simply - dream. Truly unleashed before the audience's very eyes is imagination. And what's more is imagination paired with passion. You can't help but see the way that everyone on stage works together to create the whole artistic creation of Kurios. At its core: a dreamer or "seeker." But there is more than meets the eye as is the case at every turn in the show. For Kurios turns mere ordinary objects, say a bicycle or yo-yo, into something extraordinary.

Perhaps the heart of Kurios lies in that it is also the story behind Cirque du Soleil. As musical composer René Dupéré states at the top (see above), the group started "little by little." It was those once "ordinary" folks who started slowly with an idea and created something extraordinary. Now, they have taken those ideas to new heights, on a literal level as each act has to perform their talent and then perform it again with a twist in which movement enhances the challenge and creates a visual effect like no other seen before.

See it for yourself; be swept away in Kurios– Cabinet of Curiosities now playing through July 10th under the yellow and blue tents at Suffolk Downs.

Mantra Monday

New Year: New You!

"Today carve out a quiet interlude for yourself in which to dream, pen in hand. Only dreams give birth to change."

                    -Sarah Ban Breathnach

This quote seems to be the epitome of the New Year. It seemed perfectly fitting to be at the forefront of a New Year's post. It talks about writing but truly whatever your medium - be it painting or running insert that (ie. paintbrush or running shoes on feet) and make that quote your own. And that is really what is at the core and essence of the new year, being a positive change and starting fresh.

I've heard that instead of beginning New Year's resolutions which most people have a tendency to lapse on after January ends, start a New Year's Vision. 

During this new year ahead, The Red Balloon has a vision and wishes you the power to dare to be your unique self. There will be many hurtles ahead and no doubt there will be those who will discourage you but nonetheless sojourn on in the journey. This nonetheless reminds me of a previous post I wrote some time ago which is still relevant. It can be found here: http://theredballoonreport.blogspot.com/2014/03/lessons-learned-along-oregon-trail.html

Do not forget the power of your dreams so dream big and be the change that you desire. That is truly what The Red Balloon is all about: being free. Free from whatever it is that's been holding you back. Allow The Red Balloon to offer some advice and some words for 2016. If there is a goal that you wish to attain, set it in your mind and find a way to achieve it. Just like the balloon, you have the power to lift high and take flight. And 2016 is your year.

Feel free to leave a comment with your goals for the New Year.

Stay tuned to The Red Balloon for Photos of the First Night Ice Sculptures.