Tag: cirque du soleil

KOOZA Ignites The Child In You With A Wondrous Journey Of Nail-Biting Acrobatics And Playful Clowns

Many of us have the impression that a circus is where you see contortionists, jugglers and tight-rope walkers doing stunts and tricks, and clowns goofing around with their silly antics; we think of it as a place for slapstick entertainment.

Last week, I caught Cirque du Soleil Kooza, and I realised just how wrong I was.

The latest addition to the world-famous theatrical producer Cirque du Soleil’s series, KOOZA, is back in Singapore.

Presented in the intimate setting of the iconic blue and yellow Big Top tents that sits beside Marina Bay Sands, KOOZA pays homage to Cirque du Soleil’s roots by combining thrilling acrobatic acts with the traditional art of clowning.

Inspired by the Sanskrit word “Koza”, which means “box”, “chest”, or “treasure”, the 140-minute show follows the journey of “The Innocent”, who opens the portal to a magical world through a mysterious box.

Portrayed by an endearing pyjamas-clad character, “The Innocent” took us through the acts, the whole time reflecting exactly how we felt as an audience – in awe of everything.

We were thoroughly impressed by the stunning stage props, seamless transitions, the dazzling lights that complemented the acts, the adorable antics of the clowns, and the incredible stunts by the performers.

The Hoops Manipulation was one of first to leave an impression.

While most of us can’t even handle one hula hoop, the performer showed off her exceptional balance and impressive dexterity, spinning up to seven hoops at once, and making it look effortless while at it!

It’s no exaggeration to say that she was one with the hoops as she glided around on the aerial hoop, changing poses quickly while still managing to look graceful while doing so.

Another highlight was the Double Highwire, which involved four nimble performers who not only demonstrated their remarkable ability to balance, but who also had to jump over one another, have a fencing match, and even cycle on a thin wire!

The Skeleton Dance takes you to the craziness of the dark side with its choreography and flamboyant feather costumes. Pretty as it was, it served as a well-timed break (to us at least) as our hearts were racing from the intense acts happening back to back.

Our favourite act of the night was undoubtedly the Wheel of Death.

As the name suggests, a small slip up on the wheel can send you plummeting to your death. Be prepared to have your breath taken away and your nerves at an all time high as you watch the brave duo tame the enormous spinning contraption.

Throughout the night, we were kept at the edge of our seats. The crazy stunts we saw had us raving through the intermission and at the end of the show. The live singer and band, as well as goofy antics by the adorable clowns made it that much more entertaining.

True to Cirque du Soleil’s mission to invoke imagination and evoke emotions, we left the show wondering how amazing it would be if we worked or lived in a circus. Whether you’re already a fan of Cirque du Soleil, or have never caught any or their shows, don’t miss KOOZA! You’ll be surprised at how much you’ll enjoy your experience!

DiscoverSG Pro-Tip: Visit the toilet before you head over to the Big Top, and head over early! You don’t want to squeeze with the crowd for both ticket collection and bag check at the entrance.

Cirque du Soleil KOOZA will be performing in Singapore until 20 August 2017. Tickets are still available so get your preferred seats before they’re gone. Ticket prices start from $61.50, with the top tiered VIP Rouge – First Row tickets starting at $318.

Cirque du Soleil Kooza
Address: Under the Big Top Tent, next to Marina Bay Sands
Date: 12 Jul – 27 Aug
Duration: Approx. 2 h 20 min (including 30min interval)

Purchase your tickets to Cirque du Soleil KOOZA here.

Also read, 10 Fresh Events And Food Spots That Have Just Popped Up In The Second Half Of July [16-31 July]!

(Header Image Source: Cirque du Soleil)

10 Amazeball Events And Makan Places To Jazz Up The First Half Of July [1-15 July]

Hello, July!

There’s no need to mope over the end of the June holidays. This month, there’s still a host of exciting activities and scrummy new eats to dive into!

This month’s line-up includes a trippy circus, an out-of-this-island trip to pulau ubin, interesting art exhibitions, and new food spots to tickle your tastebuds. Whether you’re an adventurer, an art lover, or a die-hard foodie, here are some ways to keep yourself busy for the first half of July!

Here’s a calendar of 10 electrifying events and eats to try out this month!

Play & Discover

1. Singapore International Festival Of Arts

Who says Singapore’s art scene is dead?

The Singapore International Festival of Arts is just one of the many arts events happening this month!

From street performances to public film screenings, to even talks over brunch, everyone’s invited to this celebration of the Arts!

Helming the event are the best of local and international artists.

Maybe you’ll recognize some of the more established names like Robert Wilson, Michael Nyman, London Sinfonietta, and the Berliner Ensemble in the line-up.

This year, there are even some of the newest productions from Korea and the US, such as the award-winning The Chorus, Oedipus, and Robert Move’s Martha.

They’ll be showcasing quality works in theatre, dance, and music you don’t want to miss!

Singapore International Festival Of Arts
Where: Various Locations
When: 28 Jun – 9 Sep
Website

2. Pink Dot

Let your pride shine at the brightest event of the year!

Pink Dot is set to bring together family, friends, and lovers of all kinds at its annual event.

3. Closing of Sungei Road Thieves Market

Sadly, another remnant of Singapore’s past will soon be no more. 

After eight decades of existence, Singapore’s oldest flea market in Sungei Road will be turning its last page.

The open-air market was already reduced by half once, to make way for Jalan Besar MRT station.

This time, all of it will be cleared for residential and commercial developments.

Known as the “Thieves Market”, stolen items were once notoriously sold here.

Popular with tourists, foreign workers, and locals, it offers all sorts of nibs and nubs ranging from household items to jewellery and electronic items!

Come down and have a glimpse of this lesser-known bit of history before it’s gone for good!

Sungei Road Thieves Market
Where: Sungei Road
Last day: 10 July

4. Cirque du Soleil – KOOZA

Get ready for some jaw-dropping action.

Cirque Du Soleil is back in Singapore with KOOZA, its most chilling and thrilling show yet!

KOOZA combines acrobatic performance with the art of clowning, while exploring the themes of fear, identity, and power.

Expect breathtaking acts like Hoops Manipulation, with up to 7 spinning hoops at once, as well as the Double Highwire, where the acts skitter and ride bicycles across wires criss-crossed diagonally at up to 25 feet above the stage.

There’s also the Skeleton Dance, a crazy trip to the dark side, and the Wheel of Death, an enormous spinning contraption that can’t be tamed.

Cirque du Soleil has brought so much wonder and delight to more than 300 cities, and it’s landed on our shores once again.

Don’t hold your breath, this is one circus show you’ll want to catch!

Cirque du Soleil – Kooza
Where: Under The Big Top Tent, Marina Bay Sands, 10 Bayfront Avenue, Singapore 018956
When: 13 Jul – 20 Aug
Contact no.: 6348 5555
Website

5. Gallery Children’s Biennale

No more dragging your children around to boring art exhibitions.

The National Gallery’s newest and most colourful display will have them clamouring to go again and again.

Themed “Dreams & Stories”, the Children’s Biennale invites not just children, but your inner child, to embark on a creative journey.

Exhibitions are interactive, and truly let you delve right into and explore the world through the eyes of different artists.

The Obliteration Room, for example, lets you stick colourful stickers all over the furniture and walls of a completely white room. Watch as the space magically transforms as more and more colourful spots are added to it!

A series of public programmes, film screenings, special family tours, and artist-led workshops for children are also in the line-up.

Here, there’s something for everyone to discover, whether young or young at heart!  

Gallery Children’s Biennale
Where: National Gallery Singapore, 1 St Andrew’s Road, Singapore 178957
When: 20 May – 8 Oct
Contact no.: 6271 7000
Website

6. Pesta Ubin

We’ve all heard of Pulau Ubin, our most happening offshore island.

This July, the yearly Pesta Ubin celebrates all there is to this little island!

Pesta Ubin is a kampung-style open house, during which people step up to share their special slice of Pulau Ubin with the public.

That means activities are heartfelt, organic, and passionately led by the community.

Expect kampung photo booths, map colouring booths for the kids, and even kayaking with the family.

The event is set to highlight all of Ubin’s unique charms, its culture, kampung life, nature, and wildlife, on both land and sea.

Leave the city attitude behind and get a taste of the kinder, gentler way of life here.

What’s more, most Pesta Ubin activities are free of charge and don’t require registration!

So, simply take a bumboat to Pulau Ubin and join in the fun!

Pesta Ubin
Where: Pulau Ubin
When: 10 May – 16 Jul
Website

7. Imaginarium: To The Ends Of The Earth

How much do you know about the planet we live in?

This nature-focused art exhibition brings you in for a closer look at the environments we reside in.

This is Singapore Art Museum’s seventh edition of the family-focused exhibition.

Young and old explorers alike are invited to see how people, flora, and fauna, adapt to their ever changing surroundings.

The lovely exhibits include a giant lizard’s tail, and a magical floating mountain.

There are even real life plants and mushrooms incorporated into the art pieces.

Walking amongst them will surely bring you closer to appreciating Earth’s many marvels.

With such inspiring and engaging artworks, be prepared to see the world that much differently by the end of it!

Imaginarium: To The Ends Of The Earth
Where: Singapore Art Museum, 71 Bras Basah Road, Singapore 189555
When: 6 May – 27 Aug
Contact no.: 65899 580
Website

Eat

8. Sama Curry & Café

The mention of curry most often brings to mind a spicy, thick gravy.

Well, Sama Curry & Café throws off all expectations as the first ever Japanese soup curry restaurant in Singapore.

Sama Curry & Café
Where: OUE Downtown 2 Gallery Level 2, 6a Shenton Way Singapore 068809
When: Mon – Sat: 11am – 9pm
Contact no.: 6224 0590
Facebook

9. Gain City Durian Feast

Love it or hate it, durian is here to stay.

Gain City is holding a Gain City Durian Feast for all those who can’t get enough of our national fruit!

Gain City Durian Feast
Where: Gain City Megastore @ Sungei Kadut, 71 Sungei Kadut Drive, Rooftop, Singapore 729577
When: 7 – 9 July
Contact no.: 6333 1212
Website

10. Singapore Food Festival

There’s no question that our Singaporean love for good food runs deep in our blood.

Well, there’s no better time to eat like a local than at the annual Singapore Food Festival!

[caption id="attachment_27799" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Image Credit: Here, local culture, proud tradition, and contemporary dining are served up on a platter.

Singapore Food Festival
Address: Various Locations
When: 14 – 30 Jul
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