Cirque De Paris in Ottawa until June 22

We recently had the opportunity to take in a Cirque de Paris show - and we loved it! We honestly weren’t sure what to expect but between the very entertaining clown, the way they had fun with recreating the animal portion of a circus in a very ethical way, the laser light show, the bicycle tricks and the acrobats, we were regularly surprised, delighted and highly entertained!

The what, where, when and how much of it all

The circus is set up at Tanger Outlets until June 22, so there is still time to take in a show. Ticket prices $25 for kids and $32 for adults for general admission (bleacher seating) or $47 for preferred seating closer to the action and with a cushioned chair (with a back). On Friday, Saturday, and Sunday they have multiple shows, including matinees at 1:30 on Saturday and Sunday.

The highlights

Selina and Noelia

These ladies (I think they’re sisters) were my absolute favourite of the show. Not only are they strong and talented, I could feel their connection as they worked together throughout their performance and I found it to be magical 🩷

The Bouglione Family

Anouchka Bouglione comes from a long line of circus performers. I loved that as we were waiting for the show they had a slideshow with all kinds of the history of her family, but also thought it was fascinating to see her husband and two children involved in the show (her sixteen year old was running the sound and lights for the show!)

The Eiffel Tower

As the sun went down, their lit up Eiffel Tower was fun for the kids to take photos in front of (and then inside of :)

Check them out until June 22 - it was a fun time, even for the group of teens I brought with me!

Cirque Italia - an interview with the ringmaster

Our teen blogger David is back with another interview of someone with a really different and interesting profession! Cirque Italia is coming to Ottawa June 27 to July 7 and David got to interview ringmaster Alex Acero.

From June 27 to July 7, Cirque Italia will be having a circus in Ottawa. I interviewed ringmaster Alex Acero to get an idea of what goes on behind the scenes and what the circus will look like.

How did you become a clown and get into this circus?

Well, I’m a 4th generation performer. My whole family is in the circus, so it’s what I grew up with.

I chose to be a clown specifically because it’s one of the best ways to entertain people and make them laugh. I was initially working at a different company, but then the owner of Cirque Italia hired me, and I’ve been here for 8 years.

Cirque Italia will be having its water circus show in Ottawa from June 27 to July 7.

What is a water circus, and what will the show look like?

It’s definitely a very technically advanced show. We have a stage that costs half a million dollars, and there’s only one of them in Canada. It is 35 feet high and is operated by 27 computers, which coordinate the water behind and around the stage to create different designs that really enhance the show.

What is your role on this tour, what sorts of stuff will you be performing?

My central role is ringmaster, but that entails a wide skill set. I am a clown, host, and stunt performer. I will be moving on and off stage throughout the show, and at one point I will perform a trick involving a diving board and trampoline. It takes hours of preparation, and I believe that will be clear from the quality of our show.

What is your favourite part about being a member of the circus?

Everything about the job is amazing, but I particularly love traveling. I have already been all over the United States, and I’m about to see all regions of Canada. It’s definitely a perk that doesn’t come with many careers.

Aside from the Water Circus, what else does Cirque Italia have to offer?

We also offer Paranormal Cirque, which is geared towards an older 17+ audience and has elements of cabaret and horror all in one great show.

Water Circus Gold will be in Ottawa from June 27 to July 7 at the St. Laurent Shopping Centre. Tickets cost between $35 to $80 depending on seat placement. For more information about Water Circus Gold, click here, and for tickets, click here.

David is a fifteen-year-old aspiring adventure and travel writer living in Ottawa.  Skydiving is on his bucket list.