Cirque du Soleil’s “Ovo”

 

Taking Toddlers to Taking Toddlers to Cirque du Soleil’s “Ovo” in DC: A Magical Adventure for the Little Ones in DC: A Magical Adventure for the Little Ones

If you’re wondering whether to bring your toddler to a Cirque du Soleil show, let me tell you about our experience taking our little one to see Cirque du Soleil’s Ovo in Washington, D.C. From the mesmerizing costumes to the high-flying acrobatics, this insect-inspired show is packed with vibrant visuals and enchanting sounds that toddlers can absolutely enjoy (with a little bit of prep)!

Why “Ovo” is Perfect for Young Audiences

“Ovo,” which translates to “egg” in Portuguese, is a Cirque du Soleil production themed around an enchanting world of insects. It’s full of color, lightheartedness, and storytelling that’s easy to follow, even for younger viewers. Here are a few reasons why it works so well for toddlers:

1. Bold Colors and Engaging Visuals: The costumes in “Ovo” are bright, intricate, and whimsical. Each character is an insect—caterpillars, ladybugs, crickets, and more—making it fun and exciting for little ones who love nature and bugs.
2. Playful Storyline: The story is simple, centering around a new insect who brings an egg (symbolizing life) into the community. The minimal dialogue and exaggerated movements make it accessible for toddlers, who may not follow a complex plot.
3. Variety of Acts: The performance includes a mix of acrobatics, comedy, music, and dance, each segment short enough to hold a toddler’s attention. The high-energy acts alternate with quieter moments, giving little ones some time to reset between the excitement.

Tips for Taking Your Toddler to Cirque du Soleil’s Ovo

To make the experience enjoyable for both you and your toddler, here are some tips that helped us:

1. Pick the Right Show Time: Check if there’s an afternoon matinee performance, as late evening shows can be tough with young kids who may get tired or cranky. Daytime performances also tend to have a more family-friendly atmosphere.
2. Choose Seats Wisely: Consider seats closer to an aisle in case you need to take a quick break. Sitting a bit farther back, rather than right by the stage, can also help toddlers get the big picture and take in all the visuals without being overwhelmed.
3. Prepare Them for the Experience: We showed our toddler videos of acrobatic performances and a few Cirque du Soleil clips ahead of time. It got them excited and helped them know what to expect in terms of lights, music, and movement.
4. Pack Essentials: Bring your usual toddler essentials—snacks, a comfort item, and headphones or earplugs (the show can be loud at times). Snacks and a favorite stuffed animal helped keep our little one settled.

Our Experience with Our Toddler at Ovo

When the show began, our toddler was wide-eyed with wonder. The opening scenes were colorful and engaging, with insects bouncing, fluttering, and moving across the stage in ways that immediately captured attention. They particularly loved the playful interactions between the characters and the funny antics of the main insect “clown,” who had the audience laughing throughout the performance.

As the acts went on, there was a mix of excitement and restlessness, which is to be expected with a toddler. During the high-energy acrobatic scenes, our little one was enthralled, clapping and giggling. During the quieter scenes, we took the opportunity to have a snack break and whisper about the insects we were seeing on stage. When a break was needed, the dimmed lights in the theater allowed us to take a quick walk around the lobby without disturbing others.

One of the highlights for our toddler was the music. Cirque du Soleil’s live band brought a unique mix of instruments and sounds that matched each insect’s movements perfectly. The music was upbeat and complemented the visuals, keeping our toddler dancing in their seat!

Is “Ovo” Worth It for Toddlers?

Absolutely! While toddlers won’t catch every detail, “Ovo” is filled with visual delights, humor, and music that will keep them entertained. Watching their faces light up at the awe-inspiring acts and dazzling colors is worth it. Just go in with an open mind, knowing that you may need to take a few breaks along the way.

Final Thoughts Taking a toddler to Cirque du Soleil’s Ovo is a unique and enriching experience. While it’s a little more preparation than a typical outing, it’s a special introduction to the arts, live performance, and imagination on a grand scale. Ovo provided us with family memories we won’t forget, and it was amazing to see our toddler enchanted by the magic of Cirque du Soleil. If you’re considering it, I say go for it—it’s a family adventure worth having!