Cirque du Soleil comes to Charlotte’s Bojangles Coliseum to present new show, ‘CORTEO’
By Preston Jenkins
Cirque du Soleil blends acrobatics, artistry and storytelling unlike a typical circus.
Starting as a group of street performers in Quebec, Canada, this company has evolved into a household name. These artists use the human body to create , pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.
During Thursday rehearsal, many artists showcased their artistic and athletic abilities using their strength, power and agility to perform stunts.
Alexandra Gaillard, tour manager and senior publicist said that the stage isn’t designed for performers to run backstage to get to the other side.
“Our performers will roll under the stage putting their knees on a mini scooter to get them to the other side promptly,” Gaillard said.
“Instead of bringing animals to our circus, we have costumes that are different types of animals—typically you will see performers with horse costumes on,” he added.
The Cirque du Soleil will be performing at the Bojangles Coliseum from Friday to Sunday, tickets start at $64.
Stephanie Waltman-Ortega rehearses her performance at Cirque Du Soleil’s CORTEO show on August 1, 2024 at the Bojangles Coliseum. PRESTON JENKINS pjenkins@charlotteobserver.com
Stephanie Waltman-Ortega goes through her routines during the Cirque Du Soleil’s CORTEO rehersal on August 1, 2024 at the Bojangles Coliseum. PRESTON JENKINS pjenkins@charlotteobserver.com
Hitomi Nishikii Kinokuniya straps her shoes onto the swinging rope during the Cirque Du Soleil’s CORTEO rehearsal on August 1, 2024, at the Bojangles Coliseum. PRESTON JENKINS pjenkins@charlotteobserver.com
Some of the many props will be used on set for the Cirque Du Soleil’s CORTEO show on August 1, 2024 at the Bojangles Coliseum. PRESTON JENKINS pjenkins@charlotteobserver.com
Kunytskyi Oleksandr rehearses his routines backstage for the Cirque Du Soleil’s CORTEO show at the Bojangles Coliseum. PRESTON JENKINS pjenkins@charlotteobserver.com
The harnesses will be used by performers at the Cirque Du Soleil’s CORTEO show at the Bojangles Coliseum. PRESTON JENKINS pjenkins@charlotteobserver.com
Cyr wheel performers go through their routines during the Cirque Du Soleil’s CORTEO rehearsal at the Bojangles Coliseum. PRESTON JENKINS pjenkins@charlotteobserver.com
Hitomi Nishikii Kinokuniya and Kunytskyi Oleksandr rehearse their routines during the Cirque Du Soleil’s CORTEO rehearsal at the Bojangles Coliseum. PRESTON JENKINS pjenkins@charlotteobserver.com
Different types of makeup will be used by performers at the Cirque Du Soleil’s CORTEO show at the Bojangles Coliseum. This specific makeup will be applied to some of the live band members. PRESTON JENKINS pjenkins@charlotteobserver.com
The costume hangers are labeled to prevent confusion among artists and performers during quick costume changes at Cirque Du Soleil’s CORTEO show on August 1, 2024, at the Bojangles Coliseum. PRESTON JENKINS pjenkins@charlotteobserver.com
The Trio juggling team of Svetlana Zueva, Johan Juslin, and Fabio Luis Santos rehearse their skits during the Cirque Du Soleil’s CORTEO rehersal at the Bojangles Coliseum. PRESTON JENKINS pjenkins@charlotteobserver.com
Many different types of ropes are used by performers at the Cirque Du Soleil’s CORTEO show at the Bojangles Coliseum. PRESTON JENKINS pjenkins@charlotteobserver.com
Hitomi Nishikii Kinokuniya rehearses her routines during the Cirque Du Soleil’s CORTEO rehearsal at the Bojangles Coliseum. PRESTON JENKINS pjenkins@charlotteobserver.com
Customized costumes for performers at Cirque Du Soleil’s CORTEO show at the Bojangles Coliseum. PRESTON JENKINS pjenkins@charlotteobserver.com
The stage for the Cirque Du Soleil’s CORTEO show at the Bojangles Coliseum. This show is unique as the audience members from each side will face each other, almost like a mirror effect. PRESTON JENKINS pjenkins@charlotteobserver.com
This story was originally published August 2, 2024 at 1:52 PM.
