This post was most recently updated on July 9th, 2019
La Nouba is a fantastic show at Disney Springs Orlando, performed by Cirque du Soleil . In a beautiful theater that resembles a white circus tent is a magical display of acrobatics, strength, balance, art, live music, dance, and whimsy.
Cirque du Soleil theater at Disney Springs Orlando
My husband and I were lucky enough to be able to attend during our recent visit to Orlando. Once I viewed the trailer for the performance, I knew we were in for a treat. If you’ve never attended a Cirque du Soleil show before, you may not understand how a “circus show” could have such an incredible entertainment factor. To even call it a “circus” is a huge understatement!
Cirque du Soleil theater at Disney Springs, photo by Cirque du Soleil
What can you expect from a Cirque du Soleil show?
- Incredible costumes that are colorful, imaginative, and perfect to the last detail
- Live music that carries you through every emotion
- Precise timing, intricate choreography, and amazing sets
- Unbelievable feats of balance, strength, agility, and skill
- A story line that weaves all of the acts and feats together seamlessly
What makes La Nouba unique?
La Nouba is a make-believe story with a happy ending — just like every story we enjoy telling our children or grandchildren. Only this one is infused with constant energy, color, power, and inspiration. Let me try to explain a few of my favorite excerpts from La Nouba…
Bicycles
Did you know that bicycles can climb stairs, leap across gaps, jump from a story above the stage, and even dance?! Well La Nouba’s bicycle acrobats do! I began to believe the bicycles had a soul of their own and that the riders were just along for the ride. They made the dangerous look natural and easy. But don’t try it at home!
Trampolines
With a complex set of rising “buildings” all over the stage, the trampoline act felt like it was taking place in the middle of an urban complex of downtown buildings. Actors jumped to the tops of the buildings, through the windows, and back to the stage floor with absolutely perfect timing — often avoiding collision by mere inches. This act demonstrated great power and strength as well.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KXtuWu2pcbQ
Balance
This act centered on the balancing skills of one main performer, who continued to add more and more unwieldy objects to the stack of objects he was standing on. Cylinders, balls, shelves, and gears continued to rock back and forth, and side to side, as he continually kept his balance. There is never only one thing going on at a time during a La Nouba show. If you can dare look away from this balance act, you will also see other cast members engaging in various movement, comedic scenes, and encouragement.
Balancing act
Giant Yo-Yos
Four young girls with giant yo-yos balanced on a string performed acrobats and gymnastic feats at the same time. They never dropped the yo-yos, despite their being bounced and thrown from person to person. Besides the fact that these girls were just plain cute, I was amazed at their precision and skill demonstrated at such a young age.
Ballet, yo-yos and special effects
Giant yo-yos and gymnastics, photo by Cirque du Soleil
Aerial silk acrobats
I don’t know how else to describe this act other than completely mesmerizing and inspirational. Strips of red silk hang from the ceiling like rich drapery. Acrobats climb up the fabric, artfully wrapping it around their bodies as they pull themselves upward, then free-fall, wildly spinning, as the fabric unwinds. Another cast member wrapped two silk strips around his shoulders and with the help of a smooth pulley system, he literally soared upward and outward as if flying. This particular movement brought me to tears. It was an involuntary response; I was nearly sobbing. So very incredibly beautiful!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s0H1oGknZLU
More
Other acts included comedy-relief clowns, trapezes, juggling, and even hip-hop dance! The grand finale shows a main character finding a frog–and eventually a prince. Even the awkward find true love in this fairy-tale! I was completely entertained, from the opening parade of cast members to the finale of stage bows. Timing is impeccable for all of the cast and show. Each role is important, and I loved the seamless addition of distractions and fillers intended to keep the action moving. This is a performance you don’t want to miss!
Disney Springs, the backdrop to the Cirque du Soleil theater
Disney Springs Orlando is the equivalent of Anaheim’s Downtown Disney; it is a themed “neighborhood” of business, gift shops, souvenir stores, attractions, and restaurants surrounding a beautiful lake. Parking is free and plentiful. There is plenty to do and see, and you could easily spend an entire day here. And just like the Disney theme parks, the magic is in the details here. But don’t take my word for it. Check it out for yourself.
Notes:
- There are two performances of La Nouba every evening, at 6:00 and 9:00 pm, Tues-Sat. Each performance lasts 90 minutes with no intermission.
- You can buy tickets online for the show here. They start at $25 for children, up to $125 for adults, depending on your seat choice. There are often special prices for Florida residents.
- There are snack bars available within the theater, and there is a comedy pre-show that begins 15 minutes early, so it is recommended that you arrive 20-30 minutes before showtime.
- I was told by the ticket agent I could take photos with no video or flash; however there were signs in the lobby stating no photography allowed. You will want to verify for yourself.
- Our tickets included free sushi with purchase of beverage at Morimoto Asia, which we really enjoyed. It was a beautiful restaurant and a nice way to spend some time before or after the show.
Is a Cirque du Soleil show on your bucket list?
Disclaimer: I received tickets for my husband and I in exchange for my honest review. I would gladly pay for this performance, and in fact, have purchased tickets for other Cirque du Soleil shows. I highly recommend it!
What a spectacular experience!! I’m so glad you got to go enjoy such a mesmerizing show; the aerial silk acrobatics looked amazing in that video!
What a great performance! I would love to see something like this, so spectacular. You must had a great time!
Yes! It was one of the highlights of our Orlando visit!
Sounds like an incredible performance to catch! never attended a Cirque du Soleil show before but every time I see a replay of a show on TV, it’s just always incredible. So psyched you guys got to catch the show in Orlando!
Wow! Your images of this look amazing. I’ve been dying to see Cirque de Soleil for years, didn’t even know they had one in Orlando and I pass through there all the time. Sooooo thank’s for letting me know!
A Cirque du Soleil show is truly magical and it’s great they travel around the world. I’m going to Montreal soon and I’m really hoping to catch a Cirque show there.
I’ve seen a show in San Francisco and loved it! Your photos are so clear. Would love to watch another one as they are just fab performers.
I would definitely prefer this type of circus instead of any with animals participating. Seems like a spectacular show that you’ve attended! I’ve seen shows like this only on tv and they always look mesmerizing especially the aerial performances.
I have lived in Orlando for over 10 years now and never been to La Nouba. I’ve heard such great things. I really need to do that.
I love Cirque du Soleil and i’m so sad I didn’t get to see La Nouba when I was there! The acrobatics are incredible and the tent at Disney Springs (when did they change its name from Downtown Disney?!) is one of the best stages for Cirque shows!
I had no idea that you could see Cirque de Soleil at Disney World! They always do such an exquisite performance. Would love to see it.
I’d love to see a Cirque du Soleil show one day as I’ve heard nothing but good stories about it. Orlando is a little bit too far for me but maybe I should check their schedule to see if they will be around in Europe …
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What cool aerobics and costumes great stop.
Cirque du Soleil always put on the greatest show! My husband and I watched our first show in Vegas and it was jaw-dropping! La Nouba looks like an entertaining one to watch with family!
I have not been to a Cirque du Soleil, Vegas or Orlando or anywhere. After this, now I know I should go!
My girls and I saw this show years ago when it first arrived at Downtown Disney (now Disney Springs) and it was mesmerizing. I’ve seen many of the Cirque du Soleil shows and this one has remained my favorite. When those guys are jumping from the trampolines into the windows of that 3-4 story building, I was holding my breath!
Yes! Wasn’t that amazing?
I’ve always been fascinated by Cirque du Soleil since I was a child but I have never been to a live show (just watched the taped shows on Canadian television). I definitely have to consider going to this show in Disney Springs or the one in Vegas!
Absolutely awesome!
I saw the Cirque du Soleil show in Quebec long ago.
They’re so impressive so I wish to see them again and again!
Thank you Tami for sharing this post with us
You’re welcome! They really know how to put on a spectacular show!
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