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Win Tickets to Cirque du Soleil

I am Canadian and I have not seen Cirque du Soleil perform. I’m pretty sure this is akin to a New Zealander not having watched the Haka. Or an Italian not having eaten pasta. Or…

I’d go on, but I’m already experiencing a metaphor meltdown.

This is going to change, though. Not my overreaching metaphors, but my not having seen Cirque.

I am going to the Calgary Premiere of Ovo – with two free tickets thanks to the Cirque folks. I’m not even bringing my children, which means I’ll be able to watch the spectacle and so will the people around me.

Watching this spider contort makes my hamstrings spasm.

The show is Ovo. Let’s do some word association: ovo…ovum…gametes…gonads. But this is a family show. So my word association—like my metaphor—failed.

I’ll let the marketers take care of describing Ovo:

OVO is a headlong rush into a colorful ecosystem teeming with life, where insects work, eat, crawl, flutter, play, fight and look for love in a non-stop riot of energy and movement. The insects’ home is a world of biodiversity and beauty filled with noisy action and moments of quiet emotion.

When a mysterious egg appears in their midst, the insects are awestruck and intensely curious about this iconic object that represents the enigma and cycles of their lives.

It’s love at first sight when a gawky, quirky insect arrives in this bustling community and a fabulous ladybug catches his eye—and the feeling is mutual.

OVO is overflowing with contrasts. The hidden, secret world at our feet is revealed as tender and torrid, noisy and quiet, peaceful and chaotic. And as the sun rises on a bright new day the vibrant cycle of insect life begins anew.

Sounds rather sensual, doesn’t it?

My favourite part — if I can have a favourite given I’ve never seen Cirque — are the acrobatics.

OVO features many acrobatic acts including a stunning flying trapeze act: Six flyers fly as high as 14 m, making this act the biggest of its kind ever presented under a Grand Chapiteau by Cirque du Soleil. This act is the most difficult in the world to execute in terms of the distance between stations. It combines many circus disciplines: banquine, Russian swing and swinging chair.

The finale features 20 artists running, jumping and leaping straight up an 8-meter vertical wall.

Am I the only one thinking of Spiderman at this point?

I really need to start doing yoga more regularly

Do you want to come? You can buy tickets here for the performances in Calgary.

You can also come for free. The good peeps at Cirque have given me a family pass of four tickets for the matinee on Saturday, September 10.

To enter, do one (or all) of the following. You get one entry for each of these.

  • write a comment below
  • tweet a link to this and leave me another comment telling me you did this
  • massage my shoulders and leave me a comment telling me you did this
  • link to this on your Facebook page and leave me another comment telling me you did this
  • buy me a Chai tea latte and leave me a comment telling me you did this
  • like the Ironic Mom Facebook page and leave me a comment telling me you did this
  • subscribe to my blog and tell me you did (or already do) this
  • offer to babysit my children and tell me you did this

This contest will close at 7 p.m. MST on Thursday, September 1. At that point, I will throw something at my computer screen to determine who won. Or, I will use random number generator. I’ll post the winner Friday. Or next Monday. Or eventually.

Photo Credits: OSA Images

Filed Under: On the Move Tagged With: Calgary, Cirque du Soleil, funny, giveaway, humor, Ironic Mom, Leanne Shirtliffe, Ovo, tickets

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Erin B says

    August 29, 2011 at 4:33 am

    Oh pick me!

    Reply
  2. Erin B says

    August 29, 2011 at 4:34 am

    I subscribe to your blog too!

    Reply
  3. Erin B says

    August 29, 2011 at 4:37 am

    I did the twitter thing (I really want to win!)

    Reply
  4. Erin B says

    August 29, 2011 at 4:44 am

    I liked you on facebook. Yes I have done all this at 4:30am up feeding my four-month old. A big reason why I want to win, this mommy needs a break!

    Reply
    • Leanne Shirtliffe says

      August 30, 2011 at 8:01 am

      I remember those nights. It gets easier!

      Reply
  5. Renee Schuls-Jacobson says

    August 29, 2011 at 5:53 am

    Are you throwing in the airfare? Otherwise, I’ll just continue to cyber-massage your shoulders per usual. 😉

    Reply
    • Leanne Shirtliffe says

      August 30, 2011 at 8:02 am

      That felt great, Renee!

      Reply
  6. Lori Dyan says

    August 29, 2011 at 6:10 am

    I just gave you a cyber-pedicure…you’re welcome!

    Reply
    • Leanne Shirtliffe says

      August 30, 2011 at 8:02 am

      Anyone who touches my feet goes to the front of the line.

      Reply
  7. educlaytion says

    August 29, 2011 at 7:39 am

    Look at you working the system for sweet freebies! So proud *tear*. Alas, I don’t get to CAN too much eh? Need to get a passport taken care of though for eventual travel. Enjoy the show!

    Reply
    • Leanne Shirtliffe says

      August 30, 2011 at 8:03 am

      Kind of crazy that we now need passports to travel to each other’s countries. What’s that about? Okay, I know what it’s about.

      Reply
  8. Evelynn Starr says

    August 29, 2011 at 7:58 am

    Ditto Renee… I’d need someone to sponsor the airfare.
    Have FUN! They really do do amazing, unbelievable stuff.

    Reply
    • Leanne Shirtliffe says

      August 30, 2011 at 8:03 am

      If only I could sponsor the airfare…

      Reply
  9. K.B. Owen says

    August 29, 2011 at 8:11 am

    LOL, I was totally thinking Spiderman/Kiwi salad with that last pic. Don’t enter my name, though – too far for us!

    Reply
    • Leanne Shirtliffe says

      August 30, 2011 at 8:04 am

      I’ll keep a close eye out for the kiwis!

      Reply
  10. Amanda Yavis-Batty says

    August 29, 2011 at 8:12 am

    I would love to win this. Thanks for the chance!

    Reply
  11. Svannah says

    August 29, 2011 at 8:14 am

    Have a ton of fun. I found out about Cirque when I was a kid and they played Quidam on tv. Then, a few years back while living in Korea I was lucky enough to have Quidam come. So my first live Crique show was my favorite. Then a year later Alegria came to Seoul. I was so happy to see another show! Now I’m in Colorado Springs and Alegria came last christmas. I hope a different show comes this year!!

    Reply
    • Leanne Shirtliffe says

      August 30, 2011 at 8:04 am

      What a cool story: around the world with Cirque!

      Reply
  12. Amanda Yavis-Batty says

    August 29, 2011 at 8:19 am

    Tweeted about it here:

    http://twitter.com/#!/mom2jackkaia

    Reply
  13. Amanda Yavis-Batty says

    August 29, 2011 at 8:23 am

    Shared on FB here:

    http://www.facebook.com/mom2jackaia

    Reply
  14. Amanda Yavis-Batty says

    August 29, 2011 at 8:24 am

    Liked you on Facebook!

    Reply
  15. Amanda Yavis-Batty says

    August 29, 2011 at 8:28 am

    Subscribed to the blog!

    Reply
    • Leanne Shirtliffe says

      August 30, 2011 at 8:05 am

      Yay. You’re entered multiple times! 😀

      Reply
  16. thoughtsappear says

    August 29, 2011 at 8:41 am

    I’ll be in Pittsburgh that weekend, but I hope you enjoy the show! I’ve only seen Cirque once years ago, but I loved it!

    Reply
    • Leanne Shirtliffe says

      August 30, 2011 at 8:05 am

      Enjoy Pitt, Thoughtsy!

      Reply
  17. Tara McLaren says

    August 29, 2011 at 8:59 am

    I’m living in Edmonton but would love for an excuse to get away from the kids (all 6 of them) and take a romantic weekend away in Calgary. Winning the tickets will be the reason to go! I too have never seen Cirque but have always wanted too. Somehow the kids shows always seem to come first. Last weekend we saw the Wiggles.

    Reply
    • Leanne Shirtliffe says

      August 30, 2011 at 8:05 am

      Yes, the Wiggles. Six kids. You do need a break.

      Reply
  18. KNIVEN says

    August 29, 2011 at 9:15 am

    Well… First of all – I LOVE CIRQUE – been to a few Vegas shows of theirs and two here in town – fab/amazing/unbelievable every time! I think I should score some brownie points for bringing you to the beach yesterday. And – If that’s not enough – I don’t even charge you for being friends with someone so fabulous as myself… LOL Love you Ironic mom.

    Reply
    • Leanne Shirtliffe says

      August 30, 2011 at 8:13 am

      Touche. You are so fab! 😀

      Reply
  19. Elena Aitken says

    August 29, 2011 at 9:50 am

    Alright, I’m IN. I love cirque and would LOVE the chance to go. Especially since I’m husband-less that weekend. As you know, darlin’ I already subscribe to your super blog. I ‘like’ your page. And now, against my better judgement (because it will mean more entrants) I tweeted it and linked to it on Facebook.
    I’m IN!

    Reply
    • Lori Dyan says

      August 29, 2011 at 12:27 pm

      honey – you need to put a link to your fabulous website on your avatar or whatever the thingamajig is that links your name to your site! http://elenaaitken.com/ in case anyone’s interested 😉

      Reply
  20. Lori Dyan says

    August 29, 2011 at 12:24 pm

    Hot damn. I shared Elena’s FB “like” without realizing it was an entry requirement, since I don’t live there and wasn’t into the winning part of it all. Obviously I am simply a lemming. (with very good taste)

    Reply
    • Leanne Shirtliffe says

      August 30, 2011 at 8:14 am

      If you’re a lemming, so am I. And you do have exquisite taste.

      Reply
  21. Paige Morgan says

    August 29, 2011 at 1:09 pm

    I am too far away to make a case for winning, but are the Spiderman guys holding kiwis up with their feet?

    I have seen three Cirque shows and love them – Enjoy!

    Reply
    • Leanne Shirtliffe says

      August 30, 2011 at 8:14 am

      Do you think they’ll do the Haka?

      Reply
  22. Tiffany says

    August 29, 2011 at 1:36 pm

    Here from Trish’s FB page – Cirque is wild and the kids sure would love to go so sign me up!

    Tiffany

    Reply
    • Leanne Shirtliffe says

      August 30, 2011 at 8:14 am

      Thanks for stopping by, Tiffany. Good luck and drop by again!

      Reply
  23. Joni says

    August 29, 2011 at 2:20 pm

    For the folks who don’t get picked, you can get cheap tickets through the Calgary Arts Development Agency: http://www.calgaryculture.com/content/special-offer-cirque-du-soleils-ovo
    Do I get free tickets for sharing the love? 🙂

    Reply
    • Leanne Shirtliffe says

      August 30, 2011 at 8:18 am

      Thanks for the link. If the random number gods cooperate, you’ll get free tickets.

      Reply
  24. amanda baldwin says

    August 29, 2011 at 4:01 pm

    Please pick me! I love cirque du soleil!

    AManda 🙂

    Reply
    • Leanne Shirtliffe says

      August 30, 2011 at 2:41 pm

      Good luck!

      Reply
  25. Lisa Chisholm-Smith says

    August 29, 2011 at 4:45 pm

    I am a Canadian too and hadn’t seen Cirque until last May in Montreal when my husband and I took our neice. We saw the show, Totem.
    Enjoy!!

    Reply
    • Leanne Shirtliffe says

      August 30, 2011 at 2:42 pm

      Thanks, Lisa.

      Reply
  26. Hi, I'm Natalie. says

    August 29, 2011 at 7:12 pm

    Like!

    Reply
  27. Hi, I'm Natalie. says

    August 29, 2011 at 7:12 pm

    And of course I subscribe.

    Reply
  28. Hi, I'm Natalie. says

    August 29, 2011 at 7:14 pm

    Aaaand… tweeted.

    Reply
    • Leanne Shirtliffe says

      August 30, 2011 at 2:42 pm

      You’re in. You’re in. You’re in. 😀

      Reply
  29. Meet the Buttrams says

    August 29, 2011 at 8:30 pm

    Oh, you’re going to love Cirque! Even more without your own tiny acrobats. Are they acrobatic? I assume all 7-year-olds are. Mine is anyway.

    I’d love to be entered in, but Tennessee is too far. Unless Ovo is a traveling circus (doo doo doo dood ood ood ood ood oo dood ood ood odo od ododododo) (That was my circus music. I gave up on trying to make it accurate.)

    Reply
    • Leanne Shirtliffe says

      August 30, 2011 at 2:42 pm

      I love your circus music, Jess. I wish you were closer!

      Reply
  30. lyn cadence says

    August 29, 2011 at 9:39 pm

    True confession: I too have never seen the Cirque du Soleil. Was a teensy bit agoraphobic up until recently. Now I have my priorities straight. I wanna go!

    Reply
    • Leanne Shirtliffe says

      August 30, 2011 at 2:43 pm

      Thanks for entering, Lyn. Good luck!

      Reply
  31. Sherri says

    August 29, 2011 at 9:44 pm

    this is fantastic! i would love to take my son to see this.

    Reply
  32. Sherri says

    August 29, 2011 at 9:49 pm

    i just facebook liked you 🙂

    Reply
  33. Sherri says

    August 29, 2011 at 9:49 pm

    i already have you on my google reader. does that counts as a “subscribe”?

    Reply
  34. Sherri says

    August 29, 2011 at 9:51 pm

    okay…..twitter linked you too 🙂

    Reply
    • Leanne Shirtliffe says

      August 30, 2011 at 2:43 pm

      Four thank yous, Sherri. Good luck!

      Reply
  35. Marianne says

    August 29, 2011 at 10:31 pm

    I am going to a show in Vegas in a month. I just have to sit through four hours of dentists getting awards first. I will have earned it by then.

    Reply
    • Leanne Shirtliffe says

      August 30, 2011 at 2:44 pm

      You will have earned it and then some…

      Reply
  36. Antuaneth says

    August 29, 2011 at 10:44 pm

    Dear ironic mom, I will buy you a chai tea latte, massage your shoulders and offer to babysit your kids 🙂 Writing this I realized that I want a grande chai tea latte, someone to massage my shoulders and another person to babysit my twins! Boy! I need to get me a blog too and start taking offers… hehe… I liked you on fb, shared & twitted all under pennyroyal00 🙂 btw I liked reading your article… you are funny!

    Reply
    • Leanne Shirtliffe says

      August 30, 2011 at 2:44 pm

      Thanks. You’re entered! Ode to chai tea lattes!

      Reply
  37. Tor Constantino, MBA says

    August 30, 2011 at 1:30 pm

    Those giant foot-balancing kiwi slices are making me hungry! Enjoy the show!!!

    Reply
    • Leanne Shirtliffe says

      August 30, 2011 at 2:44 pm

      Thanks, Tor!

      Reply
  38. Tracy says

    August 30, 2011 at 2:39 pm

    I would love to take my son! He’s 4 and has already decided that he wants to be an acrobat when he grows up. Well, that or a pirate. It’s still a toss-up.

    Reply
    • Leanne Shirtliffe says

      August 30, 2011 at 2:46 pm

      Two splendid career choices. I want to be a choreo-animator, but I can’t dance or draw (Mind you, that doesn’t stop me from doing either…). Good luck!

      Reply
  39. Anne says

    August 30, 2011 at 7:28 pm

    Would love to take my 2 grandsons as they are both into “bugs”.

    Reply
    • Leanne Shirtliffe says

      August 30, 2011 at 8:37 pm

      Lovely. I’d love for you to take them. Good luck!

      Reply
  40. Alexandra says

    August 31, 2011 at 7:30 pm

    I used to believe that in my previous life I was a cat, but then my mom told me I was a grasshopper – I didn’t understand why, but she sounded so sure about it that I never asked why. But ever since then I believe I was a grasshopper so I like being around wacky insects and I hear ovo it’s all about that!

    Reply
  41. stephaniewarthe says

    August 31, 2011 at 7:33 pm

    I just gave you a virtual shoulder-massage, whilst simultaneously preparing you a homemade chai latte AND keeping my eye on your kids! Hot damn, you should really pick me. 😉

    Reply
  42. Tamara says

    September 1, 2011 at 6:55 pm

    Hope I made the cutoff!

    Reply
  43. Matt Hughes (@mattchughes) says

    September 1, 2011 at 6:59 pm

    My wife told me to enter your contest. I’m sure our three kids would love it.

    Reply
  44. Killa (@CdnCowgirl) says

    September 1, 2011 at 7:01 pm

    Oh pick me! I’ve never been to Cirque before! I am willing to babysit your kids. I am subscribed to your blog and liked you on FB

    Reply
  45. Leanne Shirtliffe says

    September 1, 2011 at 8:42 pm

    Okay. Entries are closed. Tune in tomorrow!

    Reply

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