Cirque Life is a behind-the-scenes documentary series premiering on CBC, that follows the cast of Cirque du Soleil LUZIA during its return to Montréal, offering an exclusive look at their bustling day to day lives under the Big Top.
About Cirque Life, a Documentary Series About Cirque du Soleil’s LUZIA
Cirque Life invites viewers to peek behind the curtains of LUZIA, as the celebrated production returns home to Montréal for the first time since its 2016 premiere. This premise sets the stage for a truly memorable summer under the Big Top.
Galvanized by the energy of enthusiastic crowds and the excitement of a long-awaited homecoming, cameras follow the cast and crew through an ambitious four-month run, with up to ten performances a week. Along the way, audiences get an inside look at how each show comes together by capturing moments of achievement, teamwork, and the daily dedication required to deliver world-class performances night after night.
From the hoop diver captain to the seasoned contortionist, Cirque Life shines a light on the people behind the spectacle, celebrating the talent, commitment, and passion that bring LUZIA to life, both onstage and beyond.
Cirque du Soleil LUZIA
LUZIA, a production dubbed a “waking dream” and illusory vision of Mexican culture is Cirque du Soleil’s 38th show. Its name is a portmanteau of the words luz (light) and lluvia (rain). In this production, rain plays a pivotal role. It’s also the first time a Cirque du Soleil production features water in this way under the Big Top.
With bright colors, vivid characters, and surreal storytelling, LUZIA takes everything you know about Mexico and cranks things up a notch. Set to the tune of vibrant live music led by Band Leader Sébastien Laurendeau, the show is a must-see next time they’re performing in your town. If you want to see LUZIA live, the Big Top is heading to the following cities on its next tour leg:
- Miami, Florida (Feb 19 - Apr 25, 2026)
- Oaks, Pennsylvania (May 7 - Jun 7, 2026)
- Toronto, Ontario (Jun 18 - Aug 3, 2026)
- Ottawa, Ontario (Sep 10 - Oct 18, 2026)
- Vancouver, British-Columbia (Nov 4 - Dec 13, 2026)
Curious to dive deeper into this dreamy world? Read all about LUZIA on the blog!
Uncover All the Secrets
Want to know more? Find out everything you need to know about LUZIA and its captivating storylines!
Meet the Artists of Cirque Life
In Cirque Life, the cast of LUZIA shines on and off the stage, living their days with a flair only circus performers could muster. Get familiar with the faces soon-to-be on your screens!
- Olivia Aepli, Running Woman, Swing to Swing
- Mikaël Bruyère-L'Abbé, Hoop Diving, Acropole
- Majo Cornejo, Singer
- Zore España, Cyr Wheel, Pole Dance
- Aleksei Goloborodko, Contortionist
- Eric Koller, Clown
- Nelson Smyles, Hoop Diving, Clown Understudy
- Sarah Togni, Cyr Wheel, Pole Dance
- Aboubacar Traoré, Football Dance
- Naomi Zimmermann, Adagio, Pole Dance
Behind the Scenes Exclusive Look at Cirque Life, a LUZIA Documentary
Cirque Life finally answers the burning questions on everyone’s lips:
How do they train? Very hard and every day!
What is a Cirque artist’s routine like? Mostly chaotic!
Would they rather work in an office instead of a big top? Of course not!
This series offers viewers access to the usually very guarded backstage areas of the Big Top. In this sacred space, where few camera crews have ventured, performers train, mingle and go about their lives. With each new episode, you’ll get more acquainted with the cast, who had a blast showing off their skillsets and lifestyles during filming.
Nelson Smyles (Hoop Diver) said of his time on set that “It was an incredible experience working with the Cineflix and CBC teams during our summer in Montreal! The team was so kind and welcoming to us and we were so excited to make something incredible with each other! I’m so thankful for the experience and will hold the memories dear to my heart forever.”
Similarly, Olivia Aepli (Running Woman), told us that, while playing the reality tv star in the docuseries, she had “such a fun time filming in Montreal this summer! Every day I am living in my dream life with my dream job, and I am so honored to have been able to share it with the world. I hope everyone has fun watching Cirque Life!”
Where to Watch Cirque Life
Eager to start watching? Us too! Produced by Cineflix, the series will premiere on Thursday, March 19th at 8 p.m. (8:30 NT), exclusively on CBC and CBC Gem across Canada.
If you’re not yet a CBC Gem member, use promo code GEM1 for a free 1-month trial of the ad-free Premium subscription before August 31st, 2026*.
Connect With Cirque Life
Stay connected with the cast and crew of Cirque Life and follow @cirquelifetv on Instagram, TikTok and Facebook for exclusive behind-the-scenes content and interviews with the performers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cirque Life about?
Cirque Life follows the cast and crew of the smash hit LUZIA as they return home to Montréal for the first time since its 2016 premiere, for an unforgettable summer under the Big Top.
Where can I watch Cirque Life?
The series will air on CBC and stream on CBC Gem starting Thursday, March 19 at 8 p.m. (8:30 NT).
Is Cirque Life about LUZIA only?
Cirque Life was filmed at Jacques-Cartier Pier in the port of Montréal in the summer of 2025, focusing solely on the cast and crew of Cirque du Soleil LUZIA.
Who are the featured artists?
The Cirque du Soleil LUZIA performers featured in Cirque Life include: Olivia Aepli (Running Woman, Swing to Swing), Mikaël Bruyère-L'Abbé (Hoop Diving, Acropole), Majo Cornejo (Singer), Zore España (Cyr Wheel, Pole Dance), Aleksei Goloborodko (Contortionist), Eric Koller (Clown), Nelson Smyles (Hoop Diving, Clown Understudy), Sarah Togni (Cyr Wheel, Pole Dance), Aboubacar Traoré (Football Dance), and Naomi Zimmermann (Adagio, Pole Dance).
Is Cirque Life suitable for families?
While it is a documentary focusing on the lives of the performers, the series is family-friendly and will delight viewers of all ages.
*CBC Gem Premium preview code is valid until Aug. 31, 2026, for ONE month of ad-free CBC Gem Premium access, then just $5.99/month plus tax. Cancel anytime. Valid for new subscribers only, limit one use per person. Redeemable on the CBC Gem website only.