Azernews.Az

Cirque du Soleil has been invited to participate in the Opening Ceremony of the first ever FIFA event to be held in this region - FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup Azerbaijan 2012. This was announced by the Association of Football Federations of Azerbaijan.

The ceremony will take place at the Tofig Bahramov Stadium in Baku on September 22.

Cirque du Soleil is a Quebec-based organization providing high-quality artistic entertainment. Since it was founded in 1984, more than 100 million spectators in over 300 cities, 40 countries and on six continents have been thrilled by Cirque du Soleil. Cirque du Soleil has 5000 employees including 1300 artists from roughly 50 countries. The show will be the first one by Cirque du Soleil to be held in the South Caucasus region.

Cirque du Soleil will perform an exclusive 7 minute performance specially created for the Opening Ceremonies of the event. The thematic idea for the performance is inspired by three main sources: the elemental theme of earth, water, air and fire; the cultural and ornamental symbols of Azerbaijan and the celebratory spirit of the game.

Dancers, acrobats and volunteers will pay tribute to ancient customs of Azerbaijan by using Azerbaijan culture, football and sport in their performance. The 7 minute act will also feature original score inspired by traditional Azerbaijan music and the signature sound of Cirque du Soleil.

Baku is a vibrant city and Cirque du Soleil is working closely with local volunteers and talents to make the best of this unique performance. The Opening Ceremonies of the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup Azerbaijan 2012 will be broadcasted live on television throughout the world in 105 countries.

Cirque du Soleil is primarily a creative content provider for a wide variety of unique projects. In addition to shows, the company, which has its International Headquarters in Montreal, extends its creative talent to other spheres of activity. While maintaining stringent standards of artistic quality and originality, Cirque du Soleil brings to innovative projects the same energy and spirit that characterize each of its shows.

The World Cup, which is the first ever U-17 women's tournament to be held in Azerbaijan and Eurasia by FIFA, as well as the third FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup, will kick off on September 22 and end on October 13.

Decision to hold the World Cup in Azerbaijan was made on March 19, 2010, while the final countdown began 305 days prior to the World Cup kick off.

16 teams will be competing in the tournament. Azerbaijan qualified as a host country. The other 15 teams took part in qualifying campaign that started in October, 2010.