Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means if you click on the link and purchase an item, I will receive a commission at no extra cost to you. All opinions are my own.
| |

Cirque du Soleil ‘Crystal’ Review

ByPaige Watts

Cirque du Soleil’s ‘Crystal’ is an incredible show that blends Cirque’s trademark circus acts and acrobatics with high level figure skating. Check out my Cirque du Soleil ‘Crystal’ review here.

This is a fantastic ice skating show that you won’t want to miss! If you’re a fan of Cirque’s usual acrobatics and incredible displays, then you’ll enjoy seeing it all done on ice. And if you’re a fan of figure skating, you’ll love Cirque’s signature twist on the sport.

We went to see Cirque du Soleil’s performance of Crystal at the Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. I had no idea that Cirque du Soleil did ice shows, and this was a great surprise since I love ice skating and am a figure skater myself. Check out my Cirque du Soleil ‘Crystal’ review to learn more about our experience at the show!

'Crystal', a stunning Cirque du Soleil ice show featuring a large, icy blue set piece resembling a frozen cliff on the left. The ice rink at the Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina is illuminated with blue and white lighting, creating a magical atmosphere, with decorative metallic trees and benches placed around the stage. Audience members are seated in the background, while the Cirque du Soleil logo is projected on a dark backdrop.

Crystal by Cirque du Soleil

Crystal is Cirque du Soleil’s first ice skating show, and it has been touring arenas all around the world since December 2017.

This unique figure skating production is brand new territory for Cirque du Soleil. It pushes the boundaries of circus acts by including figure skating, freestyle hockey skating, and acrobatics. You’ll see incredible feats both on ice and in the air.

The backdrop of the show is an imposing ice castle made of stairs, ramps, and rooms. The stage is entirely ice.

The show’s story follows a young girl, Crystal, who is an outcast from her family and classmates. She skates away from it all only to fall through the ice and wind up in a world of her own imagination, guided by the reflection of herself as she sets out on a quest to find her true self through her writing.

A breathtaking Cirque du Soleil 'Crystal' performance on ice, featuring an aerialist suspended upside down from long straps high above the rink at the Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. Below, a group of performers in matching costumes glides across the ice, illuminated by cool blue lighting. The audience watches from the stands, while a large, abstract fabric structure hangs from the ceiling, adding to the dramatic atmosphere.

What you can expect to see in Crystal

The performance begins with Cirque du Soleil’s usual preshow clowning around with the audience getting the chance to catch and throw snowballs.

You’ll see jumps and ice dancing like you would at any figure skating show, but with Crystal you get so much more. This show combines figure skating, synchronized skating, freestyle skating, and extreme skating alongside traditional circus acts like swinging trapeze, aerial straps, and hand to hand.

In some scenes, ramps are set up on the ice for hockey players to do some extreme skating much like that of skateboarders. These ramps are covered with synthetic ice so that they can glide up and over the ramps.

Some of the performers have grippy shoes so that they can walk across the ice effortlessly and do floor acrobatics without slipping.

You’ll also get to see a classic chair-balancing act, but on ice! And the performers even do the trapeze and ribbon dancing in ice skates; that’s a lot of deadly blades flying through the air!

All of Cirque du Soleil’s amazing acrobatics come through in Crystal along with the added element of incredible figure skating. These elements combine for a truly awe-inspiring performance.

A mesmerizing Cirque du Soleil ice skating performance of 'Crystal', with two pairs of skaters executing synchronized moves on a brightly lit rink at the Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. One skater spins a partner in the air while another guides their partner across the ice. Spotlights illuminate the scene, while the audience watches from the darkened stands in the background.

Tips for seeing Crystal

  • It’s an ice show, so the arena can be chilly. Bring something to keep yourself warm, like a jacket or a small blanket.
  • Definitely check out the fun merchandise. Cirque du Soleil’s merch is just as unique as their shows.
  • Keep your eyes wide open; there’s a lot happening on stage and you don’t want to miss a thing!

Cirque du Soleil Crystal FAQ

Is Cirque du Soleil Crystal a good show?

Yes, Cirque du Soleil’s Crystal is a fantastic show that combine’s Cirque’s traditional circus acts with incredible ice skating. It’s a unique show you won’t find anywhere else!

Is Cirque du Soleil Crystal cold?

Yes, it is cold inside the arena where Cirque du Soleil’s Crystal is performed. It’s an ice show, so they have to keep the arena colder than usual so the ice doesn’t melt. Be sure to bring along a jacket!

How long is Cirque du Soleil Crystal?

The performance lasts 1 hour and 40 minutes, plus there’s a 25 minute intermission.

Is Cirque du Soleil Crystal family-friendly?

Yes, Cirque du Soleil’s Crystal is family-friendly. Most of Cirque’s shows are appropriate for the entire family, and Crystal is no different. The show does contain some loud noises and dark scenes.

More Shows & Reviews

Looking for more fun shows, immersive experiences, and unique entertainment? Check out more of my reviews here:

Ready to take a vacation? Plan your trip with these tips.

Cheers!

Paige

A dramatic Cirque du Soleil performance from "Crystal," featuring an aerialist suspended upside down from ropes above an ice rink. Blue lighting casts an ethereal glow on the stage, with skaters performing below and an audience watching in the background. A blue text overlay reads, "Review: 'Crystal' by Cirque du Soleil - Travel Tips," with a website link at the bottom.

Did you find this review of Cirque du Soleil ‘Crystal’ helpful? Let me know your thoughts in the comments!

Paige Watts is a travel expert and author of What's With Atlanta?, a guide to the quirks and charm of the ATL. A life-long traveler, Paige is dedicated to helping you discover the best things to do in the Southern USA and around the world. Her work has been featured in The Culture Trip, Matador, Newsbreak, MSN, NPR, and countless other interviews and podcasts.

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *