A Lil' Somethin' Somethin' on Dralion: Week 7

It's that time of the week again where we give YOU the chance to know what you'll be seeing at Dralion...in just TWO WEEKS! As we introduced seven weeks ago, we’re highlighting a different "Act" that you can see featured at Cirque Du Soleil's Dralion from Jan. 12-16 every Wednesday leading up to the show. Just a few left...

Aerial Hoop
An awe-inspiring creation of strength and agility, this exotic aerial ballet captures the passion and energy of its signature element, fire. Suspended from a hoop high above the stage, the artist presents an evocative choreography in which the hoop and body become one in a dance of acrobatic precision.

Want to catch the show? Click here to purchase your tickets today! Don't forget ... Facebook Fans save up to 30% per ticket to "DRALION!" Check out the "EVENTS" tab on the Facebook Fan page for all of the details. Also, keep posted throughout January for little-known Dralion facts and trivia!


Dralion
Dralion is a signature Cirque du Soleil ® production acclaimed by more than seven million people worldwide since it premiered in 1999 in Montreal, Canada. After many years performing under the big top, Dralion will now be presented in arenas throughout the United States and Canada, with the same quality performance.

Fusing the 3,000 year-old tradition of Chinese acrobatic arts with the multidisciplinary approach of Cirque du Soleil, Dralion draws its inspiration from Eastern philosophy and its never-ending quest for harmony between humans and nature. The show’s name is derived from its two emblematic creatures: the dragon, symbolizing the East, and the lion, symbolizing the West.

Dralion, the four elements that govern the natural order take on a human form. Thus embodied, each element is represented by its own evocative colour: air is blue; water is green; fire is red; earth is ochre. In the world of Dralion, cultures blend, Man and Nature are one, and balance is achieved. Bearing the unmistakable signature of Cirque du Soleil and featuring 50 international acrobats, gymnasts, musicians and singers, Dralion soars to new heights as it defies the laws of nature.

A Lil' Somethin' Somethin' on Dralion: Week 6

Less than a month away! SOOOOOO Excited!

Throughout last month and continuing onward, Van Andel Arena is giving YOU the chance to know what you'll be seeing at Dralion! As we introduced several weeks ago, we’re highlighting a different "Act" that you can see featured at Cirque Du Soleil's Dralion from Jan. 12-16 every Wednesday leading up to the show. You've seen some good ones, but get a load of this...

Trampoline
Defying the laws of gravity, fearless aerialists bounce off trampolines using the futuristic back drop both as a diving board and landing pad. They cascade perilously through the air performing spectacular stunts at a dizzying pace.

Want to catch the show? Click here http://www.ticketmaster.com/venueartist/65737/1455345?brand=vanandel to purchase your tickets today! Don't forget ... Facebook Fans save up to 30% per ticket to "DRALION!" Check out the "EVENTS" tab on the Facebook Fan page for all of the details. Also, keep posted throughout January for little-known Dralion facts and trivia!

Dralion
Dralion is a signature Cirque du Soleil ® production acclaimed by more than seven million people worldwide since it premiered in 1999 in Montreal, Canada. After many years performing under the big top, Dralion will now be presented in arenas throughout the United States and Canada, with the same quality performance.

Fusing the 3,000 year-old tradition of Chinese acrobatic arts with the multidisciplinary approach of Cirque du Soleil, Dralion draws its inspiration from Eastern philosophy and its never-ending quest for harmony between humans and nature. The show’s name is derived from its two emblematic creatures: the dragon, symbolizing the East, and the lion, symbolizing the West.

Dralion, the four elements that govern the natural order take on a human form. Thus embodied, each element is represented by its own evocative colour: air is blue; water is green; fire is red; earth is ochre. In the world of Dralion, cultures blend, Man and Nature are one, and balance is achieved. Bearing the unmistakable signature of Cirque du Soleil and featuring 50 international acrobats, gymnasts, musicians and singers, Dralion soars to new heights as it defies the laws of nature.

A Lil' Somethin' Somethin' on Dralion: Week 5

Only ONE month away! Get your tickets before it's sold out!

In case you didn't notice, Van Andel Arena is giving YOU the chance to know what you'll be seeing at Dralion! As we introduced several weeks ago, we’re highlighting a different "Act" that you can see featured at Cirque Du Soleil's Dralion from Jan. 12-16 every Wednesday leading up to the show. You've seen some good ones, but get a load of this...

Act
Handbalancing

This act requires great strength and flexibility. Displaying impressive control, the artist balances on canes of various heights, slowly executing a series of astounding figures while maintaining a delicate equilibrium.

Want to catch the show? Click here http://www.ticketmaster.com/venueartist/65737/1455345?brand=vanandel to purchase your tickets today! Also, keep posted throughout December and January for little-known Dralion facts and trivia!

Dralion
Dralion is a signature Cirque du Soleil ® production acclaimed by more than seven million people worldwide since it premiered in 1999 in Montreal, Canada. After many years performing under the big top, Dralion will now be presented in arenas throughout the United States and Canada, with the same quality performance.

Fusing the 3,000 year-old tradition of Chinese acrobatic arts with the multidisciplinary approach of Cirque du Soleil, Dralion draws its inspiration from Eastern philosophy and its never-ending quest for harmony between humans and nature. The show’s name is derived from its two emblematic creatures: the dragon, symbolizing the East, and the lion, symbolizing the West.

Dralion, the four elements that govern the natural order take on a human form. Thus embodied, each element is represented by its own evocative colour: air is blue; water is green; fire is red; earth is ochre. In the world of Dralion, cultures blend, Man and Nature are one, and balance is achieved. Bearing the unmistakable signature of Cirque du Soleil and featuring 50 international acrobats, gymnasts, musicians and singers, Dralion soars to new heights as it defies the laws of nature.

The Creation of Cirque du Soleil

In the early 80s in a small town near Quebec City in Canada, townsfolk were shown a different world.

A group of characters, part of a theater street group, roamed the streets, striding on stilts, juggling, dancing, breathing fire and playing music. Gilles Ste-Croix founded the group.

Guy Laliberte, with the help of Gilles Ste-Croix and crew, dreamed up the idea of creating a Quebec circus and take the troupe traveling around the world. Cirque du Soleil was formed.

Sneak Peak of Harlem Globetrotter's 2011 tour

FOX is interviewing Special K and Big Easy from the Harlem Globetrotters. Get information from the players themselves about the upcoming tour and the new 4-Point shot.


Don't miss out on this Wednesday, December 15, at 8:25am!

The Harlem Globetrotters will take the court at Van Andel Arena on January 23, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. Tickets, starting at $20.50, are available now at www.ticketmaster.com, the Van Andel Arena box office, Ticketmaster ticket centers, or by phone at 800.745.3000.

Celtic Woman, a smash hit around the globe, comes to Van Andel Arena with their newest live show. The awe-inspiring vocalists and mesmerizing Celtic violinist continue to capture the hearts of fans across the country with what critics are calling an “uplifting” and “beyond captivating” concert experience.

Now they bring Songs From The Heart to Van Andel Arena on Tuesday, April 5, 2011 at 7:30PM. Tickets go on sale December 10, 2010 at 10AM. Ticket prices are $32.50 and $67.50 and can be purchased at all Ticketmaster outlets, the DeVos Place and Van Andel Arena box offices, charge by phone, 800-745-3000, or purchase online at ticketmaster.com. Groups of 10 or more can save 10% by contacting Laura Alexandria at 616-742-6185 or groupsales@smggr.com.

During the 2011 tour, fans have the opportunity to experience Celtic Woman's most dazzling production yet, moving seamlessly between Irish classics, contemporary covers and original compositions featuring renditions of Jimmy Webb's "The Moon's a Harsh Mistress," Billy Joel's "Goodnight My Angel," Andrew Lloyd Weber’s “Pie Jesu,” "Amazing Grace," and Irish classics "My Lagan Love," "Galway Bay," as well as a new favorite "Níl Sé'n Lá." The tour also includes an original composition, “Songs from the Heart” written specifically for this tour and has not yet been recorded.

In just five short years, this unique all-female ensemble continues to have mainstream success without the aid of traditional sales drivers such as radio or video airplay. No other group of this particular adult contemporary genre can claim over 6 million CDs/DVDs sold worldwide, two Top 10 album debuts on the Billboard Top 200, 3 Gold and Platinum albums, 4 Top 5 releases on the Billboard Top Video chart and over 1.2 million concert tickets sold. They have succeeded by connecting directly to fans via their Public Television specials, their frequent touring and then having those fans share the experience with friends and loved ones.

Professional Bull Riders

Professional Bull Riding returns to Van Andel Arena for one night only, January 8th at 7:30pm!

Come see the top riders in the world take on the toughest bulls in the world. Fans new and old, will not only see the toughest athletes on dirt, they will also experience more than two hours of edge-of-your-seat thrills and spills, rock & roll music, and pyrotechnics.

Tickets go on sale Monday, December 6, 2010 @ 10 AM

Tickets may be purchased at the Van Andel Arena® and DeVos Place® box offices, Ticketmaster ticket centers, including D& W stores and select Family Fare locations, charge by phone: 1.800.745.3000 or on line @ http://www.ticketmaster.com/

Globetrotters Introduce First-Ever 4-Point Shot!

The Harlem Globetrotters, who have contributed more innovations to the game of basketball than any other team in history, have implemented the first-ever 4-point shot as part of all of its games on the team’s 2011 “4 Times the Fun” North American tour, the team’s record 85th season of touring.

This game-changing innovation will be on display when the Globetrotters take on the Washington Generals at Van Andel Arena on January 23, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. Tickets, starting at $18.50, are on sale at www.ticketmaster.com, the Van Andel Arena box office, Ticketmaster ticket centers, or by phone at 800.745.3000. Information on group and scout tickets can also be found at www.harlemglobetrotters.com.

“The Globetrotters have been at the forefront of basketball’s evolution throughout the sport’s history,” said Globetrotters CEO Kurt Schneider. “From the alley-oop to the slam dunk to the behind-the-back pass, the Globetrotters have long brought innovations to basketball that are now staples of the game, and we’re confident the 4-point shot will change the game of basketball going forward.”

The 4-point option is expected to further open up the playing floor for the Globetrotters as well as their opponents, the Generals, and is expected to generate even more high-scoring action and competitive play. Want to know where the 4-point spots are? Well, you'll just have to come on in to see! Get your tickets today!

Throughout their history, the Globetrotters have showcased their iconic talents in 120 countries and territories on six continents, often breaking down cultural and societal barriers while providing fans with their first-ever basketball experience. Proud inductees of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, the Globetrotters have entertained hundreds of millions of fans—among them popes, kings, queens, and presidents—over more than eight thrilling decades.

A Lil' Somethin' Somethin' on Dralion: Week 3

Getting closer to show time...Only six weeks left!

Van Andel Arena is giving YOU the chance to know what you'll be seeing at Dralion before they come into town! As we introduced several weeks ago, we’re highlighting a different "Act" that you can see featured at Cirque Du Soleil's Dralion from Jan. 12-16 every Wednesday leading up to the show.

Act: Bamboo Poles
In Bamboo Poles, six men balance long decorative poles symbolizing fire. A traditional act of the Chinese acrobatic arts, the performers keep the poles "in flight" overhead while performing acrobatic feats on the ground.

Want to catch the show? Click here to purchase your tickets today! Also, keep posted throughout December and January for little-known Dralion facts and trivia!

Dralion
Dralion is a signature Cirque du Soleil ® production acclaimed by more than seven million people worldwide since it premiered in 1999 in Montreal, Canada. After many years performing under the big top, Dralion will now be presented in arenas throughout the United States and Canada, with the same quality performance.

Fusing the 3,000 year-old tradition of Chinese acrobatic arts with the multidisciplinary approach of Cirque du Soleil, Dralion draws its inspiration from Eastern philosophy and its never-ending quest for harmony between humans and nature. The show’s name is derived from its two emblematic creatures: the dragon, symbolizing the East, and the lion, symbolizing the West.

Dralion, the four elements that govern the natural order take on a human form. Thus embodied, each element is represented by its own evocative colour: air is blue; water is green; fire is red; earth is ochre. In the world of Dralion, cultures blend, Man and Nature are one, and balance is achieved. Bearing the unmistakable signature of Cirque du Soleil and featuring 50 international acrobats, gymnasts, musicians and singers, Dralion soars to new heights as it defies the laws of nature.

DRALION FUN FACTS: Did you know?

Starting today and until Cirque Du Soleil's Dralion arrives on Jan. 12, we'll not only be filling you in on the acts you'll see at the show, but we'll also be giving you all some Dralion behind-the-scenes fun facts to quench your curiosity and make you Dralion experts!

Here are your first three DRALION FUN FACTS
The costume inspiration came from China, India and Africa

Each color you'll see represents a different element:
Blue = air
Red = fire
Green = water
Ochre = earth

Over 16,000 feet of fabric were used to create the costumes

For more information and to purchase tickets, go to http://www.vanandelarena.com/Events.aspx?eg=2303.