There are two very large rehearsal halls at the Cirque du Soleil headquarters. This one has a full trapeze rig suspended 18 metres off the floor.

We had wanted to attend a performance of Cirque du Soleil, but all the performers were out of town with one of the nine active shows around the world. However, the open house was a rare treat. After all, you have to be in Montreal on that one weekend in the year.

We were given demonstrations by young people who appeared to be apprentices. Photo by Willie.

Watch Willie's Cirque movies: Movie 1, Movie 2, Movie 3, Movie 4