Cirque du Soleil’s latest masterpiece, Luzia – A Waking Dream of Mexico, is a technicolor journey through Mexican culture, surrealism, and acrobatic brilliance. In this Stark Insider exclusive, we go backstage for an intimate look at how Cirque’s world-renowned magic comes to life.
From light (“luz”) to rain (“lluvia”), Luzia immerses the audience in a poetic spectacle unlike any other. Expect mesmerizing choreography, breathtaking visuals, and a standout water feature that redefines what’s possible under the Big Top.
As you’d expect from Cirque, the visuals and acrobatics are, once again, striking and unforgettable. As is the fantastical music and soundtrack. If the goal is to transplant us, to take us to somewhere else, to foster escapism, consider it a resounding success. Watch BTS at Luzia by Cirque du Soleil here on YouTube.
This time, however, things get a little bit surreal. Look for plenty of metaphors (nature), subtle nodes to modernity and “living embodiments of mythology.” Yes, there are layers galore in Luzia — and it makes the experience perhaps even more special than past shows.
In the Stark Insider review of Luzia, we called the new show a “mind-bending dream”.
What Makes Luzia a Must-See Cirque du Soleil Show?
Cirque’s signature artistry is present in full force — vibrant costumes, live music, daring stunts — but this time, it all flows under a dreamy surrealist lens. There’s a rain curtain that “rains” whimsical animations, a computer-controlled rising red dress, and a Mexican fútbol-inspired dance number that has to be seen to be believed.
If the goal of Cirque du Soleil is to transport us into another realm — mission accomplished.
Early reviews out of Denver seem quite positive for Luzia:
In the review by 303 Magazine, Lindsay Vandewart wrote, “Cirque du Soleil may very well have topped its own consistently outstanding reputation for delivering the world’s best circus show with LUZIA.”
She noted the opening night performance was greeted by a standing ovation.
Backstage at Luzia by Cirque du Soleil:
You can check out the Stark Insider Luzia BTS video above. Watch as Loni Stark explores the backstage magic as only Cirque du Soleil can deliver.
Featured acts include:
- Rain Curtain
- Rising Red Dress
- Hoop Diving
- Chinese Pole
- Adagio
- Trapeze
- Football Dance
- Clown in Rain
- Masts and Poles
- Swing 360
- Straps
- Oasis
- Juggling
- Contortion
- Swing to Swing
Plus, in this video we’ve included bonus footage from the U.S Premiere of Luzia in San Francisco.
WATCH: Behind the scenes at Cirque du Soleil’s Luzia
Episode Guide: Luzia Behind the Scenes with Stark Insider
Time-stamped guide:
- 1:15 – The Big Top aerial view
- 1:32 – Luzia story explained (Francis Jalbert) and rehearsals
- 2:10 – Meaning of the word “Luzia”
- 2:19 – The Rain Curtain
- 2:45 – Straps (Benjamin Courtenay)
- 3:15 – Chinese Pole (Maya Kesselman and Dominic Cruz)
- 5:10 – Rising Red Dress (computer-controlled)
- 6:50 – U.S. Premiere in San Francisco (footage from opening night with Loni Stark)
Episode Guide: Luzia Behind the Scenes with Stark InsiderLuzia by Cirque du Soleil backstage is now playing YouTube.
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