Cirque du Soleil’s primary social media goal is to transcend the boundaries of the stage, transforming entertainment into an immersive digital experience for audiences worldwide. This video perfectly encapsulates that mission by celebrating the awe-inspiring artistry and daring athleticism of our performers. Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube have become essential for engaging with our diverse audience, including a passionate and vibrant circus arts community.
Through this initiative, we sought to humanize our artists by shining a spotlight on their exceptional talent, dedication, and courage, fostering a deeper emotional connection between them and our viewers. Whether rekindling memories for those who’ve experienced our shows or introducing first-time audiences to the magic of Cirque du Soleil, the video aimed to captivate, inspire, and engage. Its breathtaking display of skill and heart-pounding performance embodied the unparalleled artistry that defines our brand and continues to enthrall audiences across the globe.
You scroll and land on a performer balancing on the edge of a rocking boat. Within seconds, he executes a slow-motion backflip as the boat tilts beneath him, the music intensifies, where will he land? As he approaches the end of his flip, he lands gracefully on the net below. Just like that, you’re captivated. Whether it’s your first time or your twentieth, you’ve just experienced the breathtaking magic of KÀ!
Attending a Cirque du Soleil show has always been a premium, in-person experience, creating long-lasting memories for audiences who attend with family and friends. Social media has allowed Cirque du Soleil to transcend the boundaries of a purely physical experience, extending the guest journey before and after the show through video content. It reconnects existing fans with the magic of Cirque while introducing new audiences to the artistry and daring feats that define our brand.
The video’s journey began during our yearly content shoot in Las Vegas. While visiting KÀ, we were captivated by a rehearsal of the iconic “Storm” scene, where a boat is violently rocked by a storm before capsizing. Amidst the chaos, artist Kenny Strong executed a breathtaking moment: a perfectly timed backflip off the tilting boat. After the training session, Kenny approached us with a smile and said, “If you liked that, I’ve got more where that came from,” sending us additional footage of his incredible training sequences.
Recognizing the extraordinary skill and dramatic tension captured in this moment, we knew it had to be shared. Understanding our audience’s fascination with KÀ’s groundbreaking stage mechanics and daring choreography, we strategically launched the video across all our social media platforms, confident it would resonate. This decision was rooted in our knowledge of audience behavior: scenes from KÀ consistently captivate viewers, and this moment stood out as both visually stunning and emotionally powerful.
Each platform was optimized for engagement, with attention-grabbing captions and a focus on the artist’s jaw-dropping performance. The result was immediate, notably on Facebook: the video became our highest-performing post ever across all platforms! This organic, artist-first approach not only elevated the video but also aligned with our mission of celebrating the performers who bring Cirque du Soleil to life.
The video stands out for its ability to capture the sheer thrill and artistry of Cirque du Soleil’s KÀ, showcasing the incredible precision and storytelling of Kenny Strong during the iconic Storm scene. By blending intense physicality, dramatic tension, and the captivating presence of the artist, we created a visually stunning social experience that leaves viewers in awe. This powerful combination resonated deeply with audiences, leveraging the platform’s algorithm to achieve massive distribution and engagement.
The Storm scene video exceeded our goals, reaching 170.5 million views and generating 2.5 million engagements across platforms, while attracting about 25,000 new Facebook followers with a single post. The response highlighted the emotional connection we aim to create, as audiences expressed awe and admiration for the performer’s bravery and skill. Comments like “The way this man defies the laws of gravity is mind blowing 🤯,” and “Ohhhhh my heart was in my mouth…!!!!!! 🫢❤️‍🔥” reflected the powerful impact of the performance, with one fan summing it up perfectly: “One of the most incredible shows in the world. The stage alone is worth the price of admission! Add in the story and performances, the music and circus acts and it truly is one of the most incredible shows ever put on stage.”
The video’s success lay in its ability to showcase the breathtaking artistry and precision of the “Storm” scene from KÀ, capturing Kenny Strong’s skill with carefully crafted timing and dramatic choreography. It extended the magic of KÀ to a global audience, offering both existing fans and new viewers a glimpse into the innovative and daring world of Cirque du Soleil. By celebrating the remarkable talent of our artists and inspiring awe worldwide, the video exemplified how Cirque’s content can transcend the stage to foster deeper connections and spark wonder.
