MSC Cruises’ partnership with


Cirque du Soleil began in 2013 and the cruise line launched its first two exclusive shows, Viaggio and Sonor, on MSC Meraviglia in 2017. Fast forward to 2019 and the next


two shows, Syma and Varelia, are in the final rehearsal stages before Bellissima’s inaugural sailing on March 4. So what goes into the making of


a Cirque du Soleil show? Well, for starters, the creative process begins about eight months earlier, when the team starts brainstorming ideas. Yasmine Khalil, chief executive


producer of Cirque du Soleil, says: “A passenger will be able to watch two shows and have two very different experiences. During the planning, it is about understanding the mindset of the passenger. We have to think about their attention span after a day at sea or on shore exploring.” Once the planning is under way, the magic starts to come alive. The


chosen performers spent two weeks in Montreal in November to, quite literally, learn the ropes, before boarding the ship this month for final rehearsals. The team of 27 includes 16


performers – most with a circus background – from nine countries including Argentina, Ethiopia, Finland and the Philippines. The performers sign up for six months at sea initially, and once on board there is a therapist to care for any injuries. Diets are specially catered to take account of the energy used in each performance. Casting directors search far and wide


for the right acts; for example, for the Beatles LOVE show, they discovered a man on a remote African island who was known for his intricate dancing – he now performs daily in Las Vegas!


BELOW: MSC Bellissima


FACING PAGE: Behind the


scenes at Cirque du Soleil


Z ATTENTION TO DETAIL All land-based rehearsals take place in huge, industrial-style training rooms. Watching the performers juggle tyres with their feet, dance elegantly while


attached to a bungee and walk a tightrope while balancing a ladder, is awe-inspiring (and exhausting!). Away from the studio, there’s a lot


of work to do to get show-ready. Makeup artists on board? Nope – each performer has to learn how to make up their own face. The makeup artists at HQ give each performer a handbook with a step-by-step guide to turn themselves into their characters. Before being sent away to sea with


their own makeup kit, they take time out of rehearsals to practise alongside the professionals. But it’s no easy ttask – for the MSC shows, there are about 18 steps to each finished face, and the performers have to ensure the makeup will stay on for six hours. When it comes to costumes, the


attention to detail is second to none. Hundreds of artisans work tirelessly to craft individual designs, which are printed onto Lycra outfits that are breathable and easy to wear. It takes about three months from inspiration


SAMPLE PRODUCT


MSC Cruises


offers an eight- day Middle East cruise on


MSC Bellissima, departing on December 14. The cruise sets off from Dubai and visits Abu Dhabi, Sir Bani


Yas Island, Muscat and Khasab.


Prices start at £599, or £1,079 including flights to Dubai. The show costs €15


with a cocktail or €35 with a three- course meal. msccruises.co.uk


€


76travelweekly.co.uk17 January 2019


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