Cirque du Soleil Brings Big Top Event to Wolstein Center

Cirque du Soleil Dralion, which will be in Cleveland from April 5 - 8 at Cleveland State University's Wolstein Center, has wowed audiences nationwide for years.

With good reason.

Dralion is different than the other Cirque du Soleil's as it features a combination of strength and aerobatics with a Big Top atmosphere.

Publicist Julie Desmarais says Dralion, which is one of four Circus du Soliels, features more than 100 people, including the live band, singers and performers. It also brings a taste of Eastern culture to the stage.

"There are 17 countries represented, including a troupe from Bejing" Desmarais said. "It is our signature show, with its origin coming from Asia and Chinese acrobatics."

Dralion itself draws its name from its two main symbols - the Dragon which represents the East - and the lion representing the West. Based upon Eastern philosophy, in Dralion, the four elements that govern the natural order take on a human form and each is represented by its own color - the air which is blue; water that is green; fire being red; and earth is ochre.

There are 12 acts, including an amazing juggler who handles one to eight balls at a time, who Desmarais says was brought on board from France, a trampoline act which defies the rules of gravity and features world renowned medal winning athletes and the Pas de deux, an aerial act that will stun the audience.

What makes Pas de deux interesting, is the fact one of the stars the goddess of air is a native of Florida who never had a circus background, like most of the performers.

"She saw a show when she was 12 and was a dancer," Desmarais said.

The other aspect of Pas de deux is the aerial dance which requires great strength and agility.

Dralion also features a segment which takes an old school yard game to another level, as the Chinese troupe work with ropes utililes agility and grace second to none.

Dralion performances are as follows:

April 5, 2012 at 7:30 p.m.
April 6, 2012 at 7:30 p.m.
April 7, 2012 at 3:30 p.m.
April 7, 2012 at 7:30 p.m.
April 8, 2012 at 1 p.m.
April 8, 2012 at 5 p.m.

Ticket prices are $153, $103, $83, $63 and $43. Discounts are available for kids ages 2-12, seniors 65+, military and non peak shows. Family four packs are also available at a discounted rate. Buy your tickets by phone 877-468-4946, or at the Wolstein Center Box Office, Monday - Friday 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.