For weeks leading up to the Thanksgiving holiday, practically all I’d heard about was Cirque Dreams Holidaze coming to the Fox Theatre in Atlanta. It was slated to be a must-see holiday spectacular “stuffed with so much holiday cheer and audacious acts,” it would put a smile on even Scrooge’s face! It’s the holiday season re-imagined with over 300 costumes, 20 acts, and 30 performers from 12 countries taking on unbelievable, heart-pounding, and gravity-defying stunts. Everything you love in a Cirque performance!
Well, not only did I get a chance to take my family to see Cirque Dreams Holidaze last week, I got a backstage tour of the show and all of the performers beforehand! I also got my feet wet on Periscope during my backstage tour, so those of you who follow me on Periscope even got to witness the action live.
During my backstage tour, I discovered this young wonder. She was only 11 years old, but such an amazing talent and a true joy to watch perform. Really, all of the performers were phenomenal and way out of my league, considering I can barely juggle!
There was even a group of jump ropers who I couldn’t believe! I’ve been known to jump a little rope too in my day, but nothing like what these guys could do! Take a look for yourself!
Prior to my backstage tour, I surveyed some of my Instagram and Facebook followers to see what their big burning questions were for the Cirque performers. They all had a pretty common thread: What do cirque performers eat? I did get to ask one of the performers, and surprise…they eat really healthy. In fact, During a standard 1-week engagement, the cast of Cirque Dreams Holidaze will consume:
- 50 pounds of celery
- 50 pounds of tomatoes
- 50 pounds of spinach
- 50 pounds of carrots
- 500 heads of lettuce
- 500 pounds of assorted fruits
- 2,000 gallons of bottled water
- 500 Protein bars
Finally, I scored an exclusive and candid interview with the show’s creator and critically acclaimed Director, Neil Goldberg. I was most interested about what his inspiration was behind such an imaginative and colorful production. He shared with me the fact that he started collecting ornaments at the age of 6 and within a few years, had over 10,000 ornaments. This collection, which consequently took him all over the world, became his inspiration for amazing costume designs. These elaborate designs coupled with the wonders of the agile human body would truly bring those ornaments to life. When asked what he wanted children to imagine and be inspired by when viewing Cirque Dreams Holidaze, here were his sentiments.
My 6 year old was filled with oohs and ahhs and the questions continue to pour about how these Cirque performers were able to do what they do. In a word, I tell her “Practice.” So, I imagine I should start padding up my house and pull out the jump rope. Who knows how inspired she might be now to become a future Cirque performer!
Nonetheless, we had an amazing time and it was a great start to the holiday season. Such a vibrant, high energy and upbeat show and truly a great experience for the entire family. The show I went to got a heartfelt standing ovation and I imagine the second show did as well. The saddest part of it all is that the show was only in Atlanta for 2 days! I’m hoping it does get to return again before the season is up and if so, I’ll be sure to update you all!
Did any of my Atlanta readers get a chance to catch Cirque Dreams Holidaze at the Fox Theatre this past week? What were your thoughts?
What an amazing Post, sounds like you had an awesome time at the Cirque Dreams Holidaze…My famly and I we love theater and this time of year is usually spent seeing some really awesome winter wonderland kinda shows. Thanks for sharing indeed
This year is the first year my daughters can both really enjoy these shows, so I’ve loved sharing these experiences with them.
I’ve heard this show is amazing. I would have loved to go see it since I’m so close to Atlanta.
Saidah, I’m hoping they throw in another show before the end of the year. If not, I would definitely recommend it for next year!
I loooove Cirque shows! I saw “O” and “Ka” in Vegas but this one looks great too. Maybe they’ll come to Pittsburgh!!
Aren’t Cirque shows just the best! It looks like you had an amazing time and you got a lot of access to everyone. Now if I could only get 1/2 the strength they all have, I would be set 😉
Rocio, I would settle for a third of that strength and talent! Lol
You seemed to have so much fun at the Cirque Dreams Holiday. Happy for you ..
Thanks, Priya. Yes, I did have a blast!
Wow Cirque Dreams Holodaze sounds like a ton of fun! I can’t believe all that the performers eat. That’s amazing! I wish there were a showing closer to take our kids.
Me too, Jonathan! I get it though. Their bodies go through a lot to be able to perform as they do, so they have to make sure they pay attention to their diets.
This looks awesome! I didn’t know about all of those fun facts either. Will have to catch a show sometime!