Recently I had the opportunity to see Cirque Du Soleil’s La Nouba at Disney Springs. Although I had seen it twice before, it’s been more than 10 years since my last visit.

Since the show debuted in 1998, La Nouba has entertained more than 9 million guests at more than 7,100 shows. More than 20 percent of the current La Nouba cast are original performers. I was pleased to see some of my favorites are still there, but there are also two brand-new acts that recently have debuted. (Both appeared relatively early in the show, which kind of surprised me.)

B-Boy

B-Boy is a trio that performs acrobatic tricks and moves, including flips and spins, to music. Think “Break Dancing!” “Josh Ortiz (“Incredible Josh”), Jean Carlos Lloret (“Bebo”) and Dmytro Li (“Flying Buddha”) hail respectively from the Bronx, N.Y., the Boston area and Ukraine and are performing together for the first time. All three have been dancing since their youth and bring their own unique styles to the act.”

I’ll be honest, while I was entertained, to me this isn’t the jaw-dropping act that most are, but the tweens sitting behind me certainly enjoyed it a great deal!

Aerial Bamboo

Now the other new act, Aerial Bamboo, is most definitely jaw-dropping! Although this is the first U.S. appearance for the Russian couple, they have traveled the world performing their gymnastic and acrobatic acts. The Aerial Bamboo art form originated in China. The pole is suspended from the ceiling and was originally made of bamboo. However, now the pole is stainless steel, and when you see the act, you’ll wonder how it was ever done with bamboo!

Mesmerizing from beginning to end, I sat on the edge of my chair intently watching as the couple performed. At one point, Ekaterina is held only by her husband – his arms, feet and teeth, as he hangs by his feet or arms above the stage. And, mind you, there is NO net underneath them that I saw!

I was thinking Aerial Bamboo was my new favorite La Nouba act until my other favorites took the stage.

The Diabolos

Diabolo is a Chinese yo-yo and is a children’s game. The four youngsters hold two sticks (with a string between) and juggle the wooden spool in amazingly complex and difficult maneuvers. I was so glad to see they are still part of La Nouba.

The Aerial Ballet in Silk

The silks — which combine physical beauty, strength and grace — arguably are one of the most recognized acts in La Nouba. As the performer ran across the stage, it was as if he were running on clouds and just floated in the air. The artist truly becomes one with the fabric throughout his performance.

Last but certainly not least, the Titan and the Power Track/Trampoline.

You will see the solitary Titan lurking throughout most of the show. He is an intriguing character.

I remember the firsts time I saw this act I could have sworn he was walking vertically up the side of the building. This high energy acrobatic display does not disappoint!

The blockbuster performances are interspersed with short, comedic acts, such as the “clowns.” They were very funny at first, but as the show went on I wished their bit was shorter.

Adding to the one-of-a-kind performances is the fact that the music and songs are performed by live musicians and an amazing singer. Cirque du Soleil’s La Nouba, which is performed exclusively at Disney Springs, is simply outstanding entertainment. If you have never seen it, or haven’t seen it in a while, put it you your list! It can be a date night that includes one of the many places to eat at Disney Springs or an evening for the whole family to enjoy, perhaps followed by a visit to Ghiradeli.

Purchase tickets by calling 407-939-7600 or via My Disney Experience, or via the web: https://shop.omniticket.com/wdw/wcq/

There are four categories of seating in the theater. Tickets range from approximately $65 to $155 (including tax) for guests 10 and older. For children ages 3 to 9, prices range from $53 to $125. Periodically, discounts are made available to Florida residents and Disney Vacation Club members. For section and seating information, visit: https://shop.omniticket.com/wdw/wcq/seating.cfm

Shows are held most Tuesdays through Saturdays at 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. The show is approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes with no intermission.

Here is a preview of La Nouba:

All photographs and video property of Cirque du Soleil.

DISCLAIMER: I was a guest of Cirque du Soleil for the La Nouba performance I attended in January 2016. This did not affect my review; my opinions are my own.

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