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Underneath the big top

Inside Cirque du Soleil's Koozå: A world of color, contortionists & slapstick comedy

Photo by Karen Burd
Kooza, Skeletons group, July 2012

Cirque du Soleil's Koozå marks a return to the show's circus roots, with clowns, contortionists, acrobats and more executing follies and feats of strength, all orchestrated by The Trickster as he tells the story of The Innocent (pictured center).

Many of the performers created their own characters and designed their own stunts for the show.

Photo by Karen Burd
Kooza, Trickster 2, July 2012

The Trickster, played by performer Jason Berrent, had multiple intricate outfit changes throughout the night's show.

Photo by Karen Burd
Kooza, Confetti, July 2012

The circus tent is small and the show is interactive, with characters running through the aisles and stage acts that include audience member participation.

At one point, clowns showered each section with confetti, much to the enjoyment of adults and children alike.

Photo by Karen Burd
Kooza, Clown, July 2012

Every circus performance always needs at least one clown — this guy, known as The King, acted as the night's MC, directing a duo of underlings and making the audience laugh.

Photo by Karen Burd
Kooza, Tight Rope Bicycle, July 2012

The tight rope performers began their daring act with nary a net nor a wire.

Photo by Karen Burd
Kooza, Performers 2, July 2012

Performers made human pyramids around one brave soul, who balanced high in the air on a slim pole.

Photo by Karen Burd
Kooza, Unicycle Duet 2, July 2012

A unicycling duo entertained the crowd with the multiple stunts that would have been difficult with two feet on the ground.

Photo by Karen Burd
Kooza, Balancing on chair tower, July 2012

The "Balancing on Chairs" act keeps viewers on the edge of their own seats as the performer defies gravity, slowly adding to the height of the chair tower.

Photo by Karen Burd
Kooza, Performer, July 2012

The trapeze artist looked the part — from her hair to her outfit, everything matched. Just a few moments later, she was lifted high into the air.

Photo by Karen Burd
Kooza, Contorshonists 3, July 2012

Three contortionists baffled the crowd with unbelievable flexibility.

Photo by Karen Burd
Kooza, Live Band, July 2012

The performances aren't limited to the daring — here, a character sings.

Photo by Karen Burd
Kooza, Audience Member, July 2012

The clowns grabbed a few lucky audience members to be a part of an act. This woman crawled out of the stage a while after their disappearing magic trick. 

Photo by Karen Burd
Kooza, Hula hoop, July 2012

A contortionist/hula hooper stretched and spun.

Photo by Karen Burd
Kooza, Wheel guys, July 2012

One of the more dangerous acts in the show, the "Wheel Of Death," must be seen to be believed.

Cirque performers will remain camped in their Grand Chapiteau at the Sam Houston Race Park until Sept. 9. Tickets start at $43.50. Find more information here.