Another weekend in Canberra. This time for my first Cirque show, which turned out to be an awe-inspiring experience. The first time I heard about them with rave reviews, was from Patrick. I think I heard him say he went to the one in Las Vegas, and awed at the versatility of the acrobatic feats and performances. Indeed, they were no longer the traditional circus acts, and presented with customized contraptions incorporating dance-theatre styled performances. The costumes were also amazing. Every bit colourful, innovative and out of this world. From avant-garde light shows to the enthralling high wire acts in the absence of a safety net, you can't help but jaw-drop watching Varekai.

Prior to this weekend, Lee had bought the Cirque's Fire Within DVD. The reality show documentary prepared us for what we were about to watch, albeit shot five years ago while they were first creating Varekai. So that meant that there were a lot of changes. The only two of the original cast from the doco that remained were the twins, Kevin and Andrew, and most the acts had been altered. Usually the problem with watching snippets of a show prior, meant risking the loss of the initial magic through expectations. Despite the fact, I still found myself amazed by some of the acts. And the music was a delightful mix of new age, world music melancholic flavours. All of which, in an artistic marriage, I enjoyed thoroughly.