The Circus of Cirque

>Also available on Calgary Herald’s Q.

The great thing about being a single guy in Calgary is that I am usually the go-to person when my friend’s relationships go south. Because of my “situation”, I sometimes end up with my friend’s extra tickets to hockey games, open bar staff parties and on this fateful day, a treasured seat at Cirque Du Soleil. And while many might think spending an afternoon with a heartbroken friend might be a depressing, if it’s one thing I’ve learned: There is nothing a large popcorn and a giant bag of M&Ms and acrobats can’t fix!

A show like Cirque de Soleil’s Corteo (on until September 7th), is one that is meant to inspire and open your imagination to a world rarely seen to those who spend hours a day watching TV, I guess unless you watch the Cirque Do Soleil DVDs. However the entire spectacle at Currie Barracks is amazing and worth every penny. The $10 parking on the other hand, not so much.

But while thousands of people might use their Cirque experience as a catalyst to a live a fuller and more healthy life, I couldn’t help but dwell on the thoughts that allowed me to successfully suppress my feelings of extreme jealously towards the performers 8-packs and seemingly perfect jobs!

1. At 135pds, I am comparatively obese.
2. Following your dreams really does pay off, just as long as you have a rubber spine and/or no will to live.
3. Contrary to what you see in the show, you cannot buy giant helium balloons and ask strangers to allow to float above their head. This will make sense if you’ve seen the show and hopefully curious if you haven’t.
4. Even world class performers get injured. Just ask the little person who got nailed with a wooden flap in the face, never to be seen for the rest of the show. I’ve always said you can’t get injured sitting on a couch. It is even harder if you are lying down.
5. Anyone over 7 feet tall is terrifying. Especially when they are wearing spandex. Please remember to never wear spandex, no matter how tall (or proud) you are.