O Cirque du Soleil

Water World

By Kristine McKenzie

O by Cirque du Soleil is an ethereal, visually stunning show that incorporates the elements of air, fire and - most prominently - water.

The name, a play on the French word for water, is fitting. A cast of 85 acrobats, synchronized swimmers and divers perform in and above a 1.5 million-gallon pool.

Even Cirque's famous clowns, who come out to warm up the audience before the show, use water in their act, carrying a giant life preserver around, getting rained on through an umbrella filled with holes and squirting unsuspecting audience members with water.

As the show begins, a boy dressed as a member of the audience is pulled from his seat and transported on a journey through a beautiful, mysterious aquatic world where he witnesses a dazzling parade of unique characters, costumes and talented performers.

A team of synchronized swimmers performs a graceful water ballet and a floating barge serves as the stage for a group of acrobats who combine gymnastics and diving.

Next is the Bateau (French for "boat"), a large ship-like apparatus hanging 40 feet above the pool. A team of 11 performers fly through the air and catch each other in a spectacular show of acrobatic skill.

The element of fire is brought into O with two traditional Hawaiian fire dancers who twirl mesmerizing fire knives with incredible speed and skill.

One of the most breathtaking acts in the show comes when three talented divers leap with perfect precision from 60 feet above the stage into a small 17-foot deep triangular section of the pool.

Almost as amazing as the athletic performances themselves is the intricate stage. The pool is kept at a comfortable 88 degrees and features an underwater communication system for the performers, along with 150 technicians who are all scuba certified. Regulators under the water enable the performers to breathe before surfacing for their acts. Live music and singers enhance the experience of the show.

In the end, the boy who has traveled through the dream-like water world of O is returned to his seat and he, along with the audience are transported back to life on dry land.