Cirque du Soleil, the Canadian theater company world-renowned for its spectacular, colorful productions, is organizing a flash mob in honor of the late Michael Jackson titled "Art Tribute for the King" on Aug. 29, what would have been Jackson's 54th birthday.
Anyone who passes auditions can take part in this homage, which will take place by the main entrance to the Olympiisky Stadium.
Cirque du Soleil asks participants to register in advance on their Facebook page and to follow a Jackson dress code: black hat, sunglasses, white T-shirt, black trousers and black shoes with white socks.
Organizers have posted a YouTube video to show what moves dancers have to learn before they audition to take part in the show.
Those who take part have the chance to win tickets to "Michael Jackson – The Immortal World Tour," Cirque du Soleil's upcoming show.
The tour, a novel twist on many of Jackson's classic dance moves, will premiere in St. Petersburg on Nov. 9 and will be Cirque du Soleil's fifth show in Russia.
Jackson has inspired a number of tributes since his death three years ago. Local fans even set up a shrine to him near the U.S. Embassy in Moscow, although it was later cleared by police.
It was unclear whether Cirque du Soleil received or needed permission for the performance.
See www.cds.ru for details.
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.
