Dragons, Lions and Amazing Acrobats

If you've checked out our Facebook or Twitter pages, you've probably noticed the rave reviews Cirque du Soleil's Dralion received from fans who came out to see the show last weekend. I must say that I can't help but agree with everyone - this show was awesome!

Preparing for the show's arrival, I had read (and even written!) a lot about Dralion and what to expect from the show. Even though I'd never seen a Cirque production before, I thought I was ready for what I was about to see. However, I was blown away by the amazing stunts these performers can execute.

Like many, I was left wondering how in the world someone could balance solely on one hand while managing to move the body in ways I did not even know were possible. I'm not even sure I could balance on one hand at all, let alone for an entire act - and trying those moves would definitely be out of the question! And those trampoline jumpers? I would have for sure went flying off the trampoline and broken a bone...or several. One of the Cirque staff told me that many of the jumpers in the trampoline act were actually once part of an Olympic trampoline jumping team. No wonder they could fly through the air and land on those tiny little blocks like magic. I loved the energy and awe-inspiring moments that brought to the show.

Out of all the amazing acts, if there was one Dralion stunt I could choose to learn, it would be the aerial hoop act that was performed so seamelessly by the Air character. Twirling in midair through all of those hoops and ribbons, the aerial acrobats were incredible. I guess years and years of practice has taken away any fear they have about sailing through air, because I know I would be terrified trying to learn that trick - no matter how fun it appears.

Aside from the incredible performers that were a part of Dralion, I can't leave out the equally amazing costumes. As I mentioned before, these costumes take a lot of effort to design and maintain and the show travels with an entire wardrobe department just to keep these performers looking sharp. I can now see why they need those wardrobe experts. The costumes were vibrant, elaborate and just flat out amazing!

Between the acrobats and costumes, it's hard to imagine there was another part of the show that could top the list as my favorite - but four hilarious clowns managed to do the trick. They would pop out during various parts of the show providing the audience with quite the comedy routine. Props to the clowns as I know I was not the only audience member laughing at their witty performance!

I think the show definitely achieved its goal of celebrating culture and combining the elements of the east and the west (which I know you smarties already knew since you read the last blog post!). Thanks to the crew and performers for a job well done and a big thanks to all of YOU who came out to spend your Labor Day weekend with us!

Inside Cirque du Soleil: Dralion (+ FREE Tickets!)

Cirque du Soleil is bringing Dralion here to The Arena at Gwinnett Center in less than a week and I want to take a moment to bring you behind the scenes of the show and introduce you to the stars! What's even better? At the end of the blog, you will have the opportunity to win two tickets to one of the shows! Pay close attention so you can answer the trivia question and win our ticket giveaway.

So, I know some of you might be wondering what exactly a Dralion actually is and what things you need to know about the show - well, here are the basics:

• The show premiered in 1999 and has been seen by over 7 million people worldwide
• This is the first time it has moved from the usual big top location to arenas
• How did they get the name? The name comes from two emblematic creatures: the dragon, symbolizing the East, and the lion, symbolizing the West
• There are four main elements in the show that take on human form and are each represented by a certain color: air (blue), water (green), fire (red) and earth (ochre)
• The show features 50 international acrobats, gymnasts, musicians and singers

Meet the Characters:

Remember how I mentioned that the four main natural elements come to life in human form? Well Azala is the goddess of Air and her job is the guardian of the sun and immortality. You will find her floating through space in many shades of blue.

Gaya is the goddess of Earth and possesses human warmth (represented by fire) and the cool, fresh vitality of life (represented by water). You can recognize her through her ochre, or earthlike colored, attire.

The goddess of Water is represented by the color green and is called Oceane. She is the queen of movement and through the art of dance can control the movement of the oceans.

The character you've seen in our Facebook profile picture is Yao, the guide to the fiery demons (represented by red). As you might suspect, he controls the rhythm of the show and symbolizes both good and evil.

If you noticed, those costumes are incredibly elaborate. Can you imagine being in the wardrobe department? The team includes 4 permanent touring staff and 3 local wardrobe employees in each city. Talk about a big job! Over 16,000 feet of fabric was used to create the costumes and the fabrics come from regions all over the world. The costume designers spent over three months to create the original costumes and are continuosly creating new ones.

Ok, ok...now for the moment you've really been waiting for. How do you win those tickets? Easy. Read the trivia question below and leave a comment on this blog post, a comment on our Facebook status about the contest (http://ow.ly/6dyfk), or tag us @GwinnettArena on Twitter with the answer. Every name will be entered into a random drawing on Tuesday, August 30th.

Question: Where does the name "Dralion" come from?

All entries MUST be submitted by Tuesday, August 30th at 12:00 noon EST to be entered into the drawing.  Only one entry per person.

Good luck!!

Keith Urban "Gets Closer"

If Keith Urban’s two-night stop here at The Arena at Gwinnett Center last Thursday and Friday didn’t impress you, then I’m not exactly sure what will.  Whether it was his superb guitar skills or his down-to-earth attitude, this show was delivered in top-notch fashion.  When he titled his tour “Get Closer,” he definitely wasn’t kidding!  As Keith took the stage singing “Put You in a Song,” fans got their first clue that they were about to experience something a little different than your typical concert.  The stage setup was unlike any other I’ve seen, including tracking resembling a roller coaster ride at Six Flags and a stage with a rounded edge and a ramp descending down into the crowd – no barriers separating Keith from the thousands of you that packed the venue to see him sing his massive catalogue of hits.  But he took it even further by making his way out into the screaming crowd not once, but twice, giving all fans an up-close and personal view of his cover-worthy face and even giving away his guitar to one lucky fan!  In case that wasn’t enough fan interaction, later on in the show he decided to turn The Arena at Gwinnett Center into a karaoke party, inviting three fans up on stage to battle it out in a little friendly competition for a chance to sing “Kiss a Girl” with the Aussie himself.  This proved to be a highly entertaining (and my personal favorite) part of the show.

As an observer, I was impressed how genuine and personable Keith appeared.  Another one of my favorite parts of the show happened Thursday night with Steve and Rhonda from North Carolina.  Clever Steve made a bet with his wife Rhonda that if he could get her a kiss from Keith Urban he would be allowed to get a new banjo.  Keith made dreams come true for both by inviting them onstage for a kiss and a picture – well actually, no kisses for Steve, just Rhonda (sorry, Steve…you only cared about the banjo anyways, right?).

It was very apparent that his genuine attitude, Aussie accent, killer guitar skills and easy-on-the-eyes appearance have earned him many adoring fans.  The crowd couldn’t have had a better time, singing every word of every song at the top of their lungs and dancing the night away to the spectacular light show that accompanied each song of his two-plus hour set.

Whether this was your first experience seeing Keith Urban live, like me, or you are a die-hard fan who has seen him many times, I don’t know if there is any way you could have left disappointed.  Keith Urban delivered two energetic, give-it-all-he’s-got, fan-centered performances solidified by his sweat-drenched hair and piles of confetti raining down from the ceiling after his final number.  Thanks for the rocking performances, Keith!

Getting To Know Paul McDonald of American Idol

Paul, so you went to Auburn… What did you think of the national championship?

Man it was awesome!! I was actually doing all this American Idol stuff and I was the only one backstage watching the game. Everyone kept coming up to me asking who I was cheering for and what I was doing. To be honest I had to beg for them to put the game on for me in the green room. They wanted me to stay focused for my song, but I had to watch the game!

 If you could tour with any two artists who would they be?

That is a great question. Um, there are so many people to choose from. I love Mumford and Sons and Ray Lamontagne. I would really be happy touring with anyone who is one of the higher level shows at Bonnaroo or Coachella music festival.

When Katy Perry was here she said that she would rather have Chick-fil-A than In-N-Out Burger on the road. What is the one thing you would like to have on the tour?

Oh man, Chick-fil-A everyday would be awesome! We really don’t ever get to eat there on the road, but they just put the first one right down the road from my apartment in L.A. I would love to have that as much as I could! There chicken biscuits are awesome!

Getting To Know Lauren Alaina of American Idol

What is your favorite thing about touring?

It would definitely be being able to tour and pump up crowds across the country. I love to have my audience dance and jump up and down while I perform. I will let them know I want them to get up as soon as I get on stage.

What are the two things that that you have to have while you are touring?

My mom!!! My mom and sweet tea! There are not a lot of places that we tour that don’t have sweet tea so I have to make it myself while I am on tour.

 If you could tour with any two artists who would they be?

I would absolutely love to tour with Miranda Lambert and Carrie Underwood. That would be incredible!

Who has been the most exciting celebrity that you have met? I see that Justin Bieber follows you on Twitter.

I know, I saw that two or three days ago and I thought how sweet is that [Lauren pumps her fist]. I have met a lot of great people since I have been on American idol. One of my favorites has probably been Keith Urban. He came up to me, knew my name right away and I was blow away.

What song are you most excited about singing tonight?

I would have to say my Carrie Underwood cover. I love singing her songs.

We know you and Scotty are really close, are you and the rest of the idols the same way?
Yes we are all really close. To be honest that guy over there [Points at Paul McDonald] are really close. I think of him like another big brother and love his Fiancé.

You seem to me very down to earth, I have seen interviews where you have said “Everything happens for a reason.” Is this your approach on life or is this something you have been taught by your family.

Well, it is something that I have been raised with. Everyone asks me about coming into second place on Idol, but God has a reason for that. I just go out and trust in God because he has a plan. My family has been very supportive throughout this and has taught me some great qualities.

 Here is a question from one of our Facebook Fans (Tiffany Braswell)- “Have you become more confident that you are a great singer now that you are on the road? I can’t wait for the show!”

I started becoming very confident in myself around the top 4 on the show. At first I started to read some of the negative things that I shouldn’t have and as a teenager you don’t want to hear all that kind of stuff. I am very confident now and I am just being myself.

 Here is a question from another Facebook Fan (Karen Pirkle)- “Where do you see yourself on down the road?”

I have a cd coming out in mid September-October ish… somewhere during then. Hopefully my CD will do really well and I can tour with Miranda Lambert and Carrie Underwood!!