::Cirque Du Soleil:: #amaluna

::Momma Disclosure:: {This is a compensated post in collaboration with Cirque du Soleil. All opinions and statements expressed below are my own and true and honest. All professional photography provided by Cirque du Soleil PR. }

Houston is a wonderful city filled with so many things to do! I love the fact that shows that are presented in New York or Vegas and even over seas are brought here to our city. One of my favorites is Cirque Du Soleil, as I stated before, from the first time we went to Cirque we fell in love. The artistry and talents displayed are so unique. Amaluna was no different; it was a nail biting and mystical show, I loved it. 

::After the show we had the awesome opportunity to learn more about the myterious BIG TOP::

Cirque du Soleil has a resident show which is in Las Vegas and  a traveling show which is called the "Big Top". The Big Top travels to various cities and even over seas. It displays flags across the top of the main tent which represent the different nationalities of the shows artists. I thought this was a great way to honor the artist. The Amaluna tent has 17 flags. The Big Top to me is all about the ambiance and a more intimate setting which I love. Amaluna is the 33rd production and there are 36 shows in all. 

Amaluna to represents the beauty and strength of Women. The shows producers made a conscious effort to cast more female roles and a 100% female band.  The shows feminism gives off of sense of woman power and definitely inspired me. It's so whimsical and interprets such a great love story. According to the shows PR director the gymnastics were incorporated to help display a variety of talents, so uneven bars  were included. Cirque showcases acrobatics and theatrical acts with live singing and acting. Amaluna has only been out for 3 years and on the 27th of February they will celebrate their 1,000 show. The show takes 8 days to setup, 3 days to take down and runs for about 4 weeks. Cirque travels with 65 full truck loads. This show includes a water-ball, the acts based around it are phenomenal.  

Amaluna can be very family friendly but some of the comedy is for adults. I recommend it more for a date night or girls night out. I would bring my kids but my 4 year old daughter loves visiting bathrooms everywhere we and is a busy body, so I am sure we would miss something. My son I know would be very amused. There is a lot of research and development that goes into every show . It's a very intense process that it takes about 4 years to develop one show. The show then goes to what they call the "the lions dens" where it is decided if the show makes the cut or not. The shows are are live and therefore every night can be modified and  might not ever be the same. Live shows can be very grueling the artist take Monday off. They travel with physical therapist and have a full gym on site. 

The moment of shock came when during the Q&A my Hubby who is not part of the media or a blogger asked about a specific balancing act and its uniqueness!! It was a great question and the PR director loved that he asked about it. And it was a very unique act only one man in Switzerland can do it and  it is unique to the couple of people which he trained; on of which is his very own daughter! Her and another young lady now trade off in the show to perform it.

Over all the show displays female empowerment  and attempt to break all gender stereotypes which still very much exist in 2015! But, this show  breaks those barriers through their acts and performers. Every cast member has a special  talent and strict discipline and  Cirque Du Soleil definitely allows them to showcase it. Scouting  for the show includes watching YouTube videos and visiting various cities to watch live auditions. The average age for the performers is 25/26 with the youngest being 17 now,she was 15 when cast.

If you have not purchased your tickets do it now before the show ends on March 22nd! 

For more information: http://www.cirquedusoleil.com/en/shows/amaluna/default.aspx

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::Amaluna:: Cirque Du Soleil in Houston GIVEAWAY

::Momma Disclosure:: {This is a compensated post in collaboration with Cirque du Soleil. All pictures provided by PR for Cirque du Soleil.}

Years ago my Husband and I decided to check out a show called Corteo by Cirque du Soleil. We had no idea what it was all about and wanted to try something new. My Husband was hesitant. He didn't think it was something "guys went to". When we emerged, it had become one of his new favorites. The show was amazing. We couldn't get enough and have since been able to attend 3 other shows here in Houston! I love the convenience of it being here in our home town, and the venues are usually an intimate small setting perfect for taking it all in.   

Cirque du Soleil, if you have never attended before is a mix of an acrobatic act, with a musical and theatrical show. It's very magical and they definitely appeal to the adult crowd with a very sophisticated circus atmosphere. If you didn't get to celebrate Valentine's day this is a perfect date night idea. Each show displays a unique set of talents and artistry it's something we have enjoyed in the past and can't wait to see this year!

You are not convinced yet that you want to go? Well how about some FREE tickets to their new show here in HOUSTON! 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

::Details about the show::

AMALUNA

Amaluna invites the audience to a mysterious island governed by Goddesses and guided by the cycles of the moon. Their queen, Prospera, directs her daughter’s coming-of-age ceremony in a rite that honors femininity, renewal, rebirth and balance which marks the passing of these insights and values from one generation to the next.

In the wake of a storm caused by Prospera, a group of young men lands on the island, triggering an epic, emotional story of love between Prospera’s daughter and a brave young suitor. But theirs is a love that will be put to the test. The couple must face numerous demanding trials and overcome daunting setbacks before they can achieve mutual trust, faith and harmony.

Amaluna is a fusion of the words ama, which refers to “mother” in many languages, and luna, which means “moon”; a symbol of femininity that evokes both the mother-daughter relationship and the idea of goddess and protector of the planet. Amaluna is also the name of the mysterious island where this magical story unfolds.

A TRIBUTE TO THE WORK AND VOICE OF WOMEN

For the first time in Cirque du Soleil’s history, Amaluna features a cast that comprises 70% women, with a 100% female band. “Amaluna is a tribute to the work and voice of women”, explains Director of Creation Fernand Rainville. “The show is a reflection on balance from a women’s perspective”, he adds. Director Diane Paulus, winner of a 2013 Tony Award (Pippin) and recently named as one of Time Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People of 2014, says: “I didn’t want to build a ‘women’s agenda’ show. I wanted to create a show with women at the center of it, something that had a hidden story that featured women as the heroines.” Paulus drew from a series of classical influences when creating the concept of the show; including tales from Greek and Norse mythology, Mozart’s The Magic Flute and Shakespeare’s The Tempest.

CIRQUE DU SOLEIL

Some 30 years ago, Cirque du Soleil was but a dream. It was the dream of a small community of travelling performers who would do anything to share their love of the stage, of circus and of the world. The family has grown since then and now includes thousands of dreamers—creators, artists, technicians and workers who toil in the shadows. The dream has become a symbol of Québec pride, an international entertainment company that has brought 35 large-scale shows to life—20 of which are still in operation. The company, which celebrates its 30^th anniversary in June 2014, has brought wonder and delight to close to 150 million spectators in more than 300 cities on six continents. Cirque du Soleil has close to 4,000 employees, including 1,300 performing artists from close to 50 different countries.