We're Off and Running!

Premiere: June 16, 1984 (1984) May 14, 1985 (1985) Type: Touring Director: Franco Dragone Composer: René Dupéré Location: No Longer Performed Closed: August 26, 1984 (1984) Sept. 22, 1985 (1985)

{Old Logo}

{New 1985 Poster}

To begin a history for Cirque du Soleil, one has to travel back more than 20 years to 1981. That year a new and exciting union was formed: "Club des Talons Hauts, Inc." (which means "the High-Heels Club"). This non-profit company was founded on principle alone: "to promote circus arts and street performers." And in doing so this new organization went on to produce Cirque du Soleil during its earliest performances at Les Echassiers de Baie St-Paul (1981-1983) and Fête Foraine de Baie St-Paul Le Rendez-vous des amuseurs publics (1982-1984)

In June 1984, Cirque du Soleil officially came together in part by contributions and summons by the Québec government. Their name, meaning "Sun Circus" or "Circus of the Sun", was created by the troupe's founder: Guy Laliberté. Once armed with an identity, Cirque du Soleil came together to celebrate the 450th anniversary of Jacques Cartier's (1491-1557) arrival. For the festivities, Cirque du Soleil presented a very special show in Gaspé, the very same place Mr. Cartier's voyager took him so long ago as he desperately tried to find a land route through to the Orient. The show was a smash success and the artists, invigorated by its reception, took their creation on the road and visited a handful of cities nearby: Baie-Comeau, Baie St-Paul, Québec, Magog, Hull, and Sorel et Montréal.

Unfortunately, from a fan's point of view, there isn't much else known about the original tour in 1984. However, in 1985, the tournée picked up again where the original left off and created some wondrous acts and feats and thus this section celebrates that 1985 tour. Have a look around and enjoy this look back into Cirque's humble beginnings.