45 DEGREES delivers the first Cirque du Soleil opening ceremony : a truly unique performance that received critical acclaim

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Jul 13, 2015, 17:55 ET

MONTREAL, July 13 2015 /CNW Telbec/ - The 2015 Pan Am games in Toronto was the perfect stage to host Cirque du Soleil's first Opening Ceremony. In front of a sold-out live audience of 45,000, with hundreds of millions of households watching the broadcast across the world, 45 DEGREES presented an exclusive Cirque du Soleil show that brought the games spirit to reality and paid tribute to the 41 nations and their athletes. Honoured delegates present were moved by the incredible performance and joined the crowd in the multiple standing-ovations throughout the evening. The spectacle was an idealistic story inspired by the setbacks and victories encountered on the way to our dream, and a celebration of the men and women who together continue to build this beautiful country and this colourful city.

"It was a thrill and our team was seduced by the great challenge of being part of one of Canada's most important sporting events in its history where we celebrated humanity, sports, culture, courage and excellence, values that are embodied in our work. We are equally thankful to TO2015 to have entrusted us with this amazing opportunity." explained Yasmine Khalil, Executive Producer, Opening Ceremony, and President, 45 DEGREES.

Fast Facts about the Opening Ceremony:

November 2013 — Start date for creation process.
2 hours, 30 minutes — Ceremony running time.
10/71 — Age of youngest/oldest performers.
22 — Rehearsal weeks.
25 — Nationalities represented among the performers.
47 — Makeup artists.
125 — Minutes of original music composed.
530 — Costume items created.
600 — Protocol and support volunteers.
625 — Performers (569 from the Greater Toronto Area).
1,000 — Rehearsal hours.

ABOUT 45 DEGREES
In January 2015, the division of Cirque du Soleil's Special Events became 45 DEGREES Inc., a company of the Cirque du Soleil Group. The company creates and produces events and special projects under both the Cirque du Soleil and 45 DEGREES brands. Over the last 10 years, it has successfully developed and conceived hundreds of projects in both the public and private sectors worldwide. While currently working on the production of a dozen projects, noteworthy accomplishments include two Academy Awards performances, two Super Bowl appearances, the World Expo Shanghai Pavilion, and several outdoor festivals in Canada, Andorra and Russia. www.45degrees.com and www.facebook.com/45degreescirquedusoleil

SOURCE Événements 45 DEGREES