Are you looking for an unforgettable family outing that will leave your little ones wide-eyed with wonder and you thoroughly entertained? Look no further than Cirque du Soleil's latest masterpiece, ECHO, playing under the iconic big top tent at Ball Arena in Denver through August 17th!
Recently, I had the absolute pleasure of taking two enthusiastic four-year-olds to the 3:30PM showing of ECHO. It was a special occasion, celebrating one of their birthdays, and it truly felt like a gift for all of us.
A Smooth Ride to the Spectacle
Our adventure began even before we reached the tent! We opted for the RTD light rail, which not only saved us a buck on parking but also became an exciting part of the experience for the preschoolers. Seeing the magnificent big top tent emerge into view as we pulled into the Empower Field at Mile High Station was a thrill in itself. Plus, a fantastic bonus for families: kids ride free on the RTD light rail! It made for a stress-free and fun journey.
From Skeptic to Superfan: A Friend's First Cirque Experience
I was joined by one of my best friends, who was a complete Cirque du Soleil novice. Her only context was that it was a "modern-day circus," and she even had a cautionary warning from her father-in-law that Cirque might be "too racy" for a four-year-old. Let me tell you, any apprehension vanished the moment the show began. She was absolutely blown away, and her daughter had the time of her life! They both sat mesmerized, staring in awe at the incredible performers and giggling at the delightful antics of the characters.
My friend, who danced competitively in high school, perfectly encapsulated the level of talent on display. She described the show as if "the top all-state champions from each state came together to form the best of the best company and crew. Their skill and ability to maintain composure was unmatched to anything I've ever seen." By intermission, she was already texting her husband, declaring, "we have to go to every Cirque performance going forward, like this is what we do now." That's high praise from a first-timer!
An Immersive Experience for All Ages
One of the many wonders of the big top tent is that there truly are zero bad seats. The climate-controlled environment ensures comfort, and the characters frequently venture into the audience, engaging directly with the crowd. This interactive element adds another layer of fun for everyone, making it enjoyable for all ages. The seating arrangement within the tent creates a unique "theatre in the round" feel, but it's even more intimate – the performance surrounds you personally. Left, right, forward and straight up, there is action pretty much any direction you look. It's an incredible, immersive experience.
The costumes, particularly those featuring animals, were nothing short of extraordinary and true works of art. Our four-year-olds were captivated, talking animatedly about their favorite animal characters for the entire light rail ride home. These visual delights truly spark imagination!
Cirque du Soleil ECHO also featured a live orchestra and stellar singers. At one point, the band walked in to the audience and I was able to notice that each of them had microphones adding a literal choir of harmonies. The layers of sound added so much to the already majestic experience.
The Best of the Best
Having been fortunate enough to attend half a dozen Cirque du Soleil performances over the years, I can confidently say that ECHO was by far the best I've ever seen. It is abundantly clear that everyone involved in Cirque du Soleil, from the artists to the crew, are the absolute best of the best, professionals at the very pinnacle of their careers. From our seats, the palpable trust and camaraderie amongst the cast and crew were evident in every breathtaking act. The artists, the stunning costumes, the innovative props, the dynamic stage design, and the evocative music all coalesced into a beautiful symphony of art. It truly felt as if we had stepped into an entirely new universe for a few magical hours.
Don't miss your chance to experience the wonder of Cirque du Soleil ECHO! It's playing under the big top tent at Ball Arena through August 17th. It's a show that promises to create lasting memories for your entire family.
Drafted with the assistance of Google Gemini.

