Cirque du Soleil's Crystal Swings from the Pacific Coliseum's Rafters

Cirque du Soleil’s CRYSTAL is a powerful journey of self-discovery that transforms the ice into a surreal playground of imagination and acrobatics with choreography by figure skating icon Kurt Browning. Blending breathtaking aerials with precision skating, CRYSTAL follows the story of a young misfit who, after plunging through a frozen pond, enters a fantastical realm born of her own creativity.

A Historic Run

After years of enchanting audiences worldwide — in 24 countries, spread over 5 continents — Cirque du Soleil CRYSTAL is taking its final bow in Vancouver. This groundbreaking production, which seamlessly blended world-class ice skating with jaw-dropping acrobatics, has left an indelible mark on the world of performing arts. As the curtain falls after more than 1,380 performances, we celebrate the legacy and emotional impact of this icy extravaganza.

CRYSTAL is a treasure trove of mesmerizing acts that pushed the boundaries of performance art. With a cast of 44 artists, including acrobats and skaters, it was the first show of its kind to come from Cirque du Soleil’s creative minds. The melding of two fully independent performing arts was like catching lightning in a bottle and is exactly what made CRYSTAL a fan-favorite.

The Story of Crystal

Guided by her reflection, Crystal explores this dreamlike world where artistry meets athleticism, ultimately finding strength and confidence in her uniqueness. The production redefines live performance by uniting world-class ice skaters with Cirque’s signature circus artistry—freestyle, synchronized choreography, and stunning stunts unfold under a canopy of bold visual projections and an emotionally rich soundtrack.

Creative Director Stefan Miljevic explains, “We sought the right balance between the circus arts and ice sports, while also delving into the delicate soul of our heroine, Crystal.” That exploration has resulted in an unforgettable, genre-defying experience.

From its debut in 2017, CRYSTAL has had an incredible run over the course of its touring days. Translated in 11 languages, the show has dazzled audiences in over 150 cities around the globe. Its unique combination of ice skating and acrobatics was hailed as a groundbreaking endeavor in the performing arts.

More than a spectacle, CRYSTAL invites audiences to glide between reality and imagination, making it a must-see performance that stirs the senses and uplifts the spirit. The fusion of synchronized skating, freestyle figures, and extreme skating with traditional circus disciplines created a visual and acoustic masterpiece.

Audiences were treated to acts like the “Hand to Trapeze,” where performers combined hand-to-hand techniques on ice with duo trapeze artistry, and “Pendular Poles,” a Cirque du Soleil first that featured swinging poles and daring pole-to-pole jumps. These performances not only showcased the artists’ prowess but also left a lasting impact on all who witnessed them.

For more information on this performance and upcoming Cirque du Soleil launches, visit their website HERE!

Author Profile

Helen Siwak, Luxury Lifestyle Observer: Helen Siwak is the founder of EcoLuxLuv Communications & Marketing Inc and publisher of Folio.YVR Luxury Lifestyle Magazine and PORTFOLIOY.YVR Business & Entrepreneurs Magazine. She is a prolific content creator, consultant, and marketing and media strategist within the ecoluxury lifestyle niche. Helen is the west coast correspondent to Canada’s top-read industry magazine Retail-Insider, holds a vast freelance portfolio, and consults with many of the world’s luxury heritage brands. Always seeking new opportunities and challenges, you can email her at [email protected].