There's no doubt business in Russia over the last two years has been challenging for Cirque du Soleil, but the entertainment company is bent on growing its Russian business.

Operations in Moscow began in 2008 and, according to vice-chairman Craig Cohon, there is a lot of potential for growth in spite of economic sanctions and Russia's recession.

Cirque du Soleil Russia has just finalized a deal for a new $50-million theatre opening in 2019 in Moscow to house Cirque shows as well as other entertainment, Cohon told CBC News.

Guy Laliberté, the founder, sold majority ownership of the Montreal-based company last year to U.S. private equity group TPG Capital, but the international headquarters remain in Canada.

CBC News went backstage for the opening week of Cirque's new show in Moscow, Varekai. Watch the video above.

PHOTOS | Cirque du Soleil whirls in Russia

As it settles into its Moscow home, Cirque du Soleil is a rival for long-established Russian circuses in the race to get the best performers. Jean-François Bélanger reports. 3:00