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Spinning Hula Hoops And Swinging From A Chandelier: Life As A Cirque Du Soleil Performer

Sante Fortunato, who performs in Cirque du Soleil's "Corteo" show, discusses the challenges of working in the show.
Sante Fortunato during a Cirque Du Soleil rehearsal at Agganis Arena in Boston. (Jesse Costa/WBUR)

Cirque du Soleil has come a long way since its founding by two French-Canadian street performers in the 1980s.

It translates to “Circus of the Sun” and is now dubbed the largest theatrical producer in the world. Cirque du Soleil’s 28 shows entertain crowds in huge arenas and big tents.

One arena show currently on tour is called “Corteo.” At a recent practice, gymnasts catapulted each other high up into the air and an acrobat dangled from a free-standing straight ladder.

Aerialist suspends from

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