Cirque du Soleil: The Spark - Igniting the Creative Fire that Lives Within Us All

by John U. Bacon, Lyn Heward (Creator)

Creativity and innovation are widely recognized as essential to success in business, and so many aspects of our lives. For over two decades, Cirque du Soleil has been a world-renowned laboratory of creativity, enthralling audiences around the world by fusing dazzling acrobatics, staging and choreography, and music, along with beautiful costumes and technical effects to inspire and create magical, almost otherworldly theatrical experiences. In The Spark , Cirque's former president of creative content, Lyn Heward, invites readers inside the world and ideas of Cirque du Soleil through the story of an ordinary man searching for meaning in his work and life.

Like so many other people in their careers, sports agent Frank Castle has lost the passion he once had for his job. But a chance encounter with an inspiring Cirque du Soleil director takes him inside Cirque du Soleil to meet the artists, directors, designers, and technicians who create, shape, and perform in their acclaimed shows. As the story unfolds, the artists reveal surprising secrets about the sparks that ignite their creativity — from the pressure of deadlines and the exhilaration that comes from risking it all, to the chance encounters and everyday occurrences that have changed the way they live and work. As Frank comes to discover, every one of us is creative — wherever we work or whatever our job title is — but it’s up to us to tap into that powerful force.

As The Spark makes clear, there is no single formula for creative success–each of us must unlock the power of our imagination in our own way. An inspiring tale that draws on behind-the-scenes stories from the most creative people in entertainment as well as some out-of-this-world Cirque du Soleil magic, The Spark is an unparalleled guide on how to make creativity a part of everything you do.


Lyn Heward is the former President and COO of Cirque du Soleil’s Creative Content Division and is currently acting as executive producer for a variety of special projects. John U. Bacon, a veteran journalist and public speaker, has won numerous national writing awards and is the author of three books.

Genres: Business, Nonfiction, Self Help, Art, Game Design, Theatre, Education

135 pages, Hardcover

First published June 1, 2006

About the author

John U. Bacon is an American journalist and author of books on sports and business as well as a sports commentator on TV and radio.

Reviews

[Mark Rast · Rating 1 out of 5]

Crap.

[Jackie · Rating 1 out of 5]

How do you say "Hokey" in French?

[Flavio Güell · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you've ever been to a Cirque du Soleil show, you can tell their performers are unusual human beings who infuse an ecstatic passion to the audience, not only because of their stunts but -most importantly- because of the passion they emanate. Is there something that we can learn from them in order to lead more creative lives and enlighten others with joie-de-vivre? Well, there is. And a lot.

In order to live fully, you need to take risks: you have to trust that real feats come from taking leaps of faith. How do you jump off a cliff without worrying? It's simple, you got to get rid of all your preconceptions. Then, you'll set the mood for a real change. That's why you need to embrace adversity as a chance for enhancement because when an obstacle arises, your plans fall apart and that's when real creativity surges. To build something new, the old has to collapse.

Regarding work life, you need to make sure you're in a position that truly ignites the fire within you. If your current work environment doesn't allow you to be yourself, then something's wrong with it. Try and change your mindset about it; however, if all the imagination in the world doesn't transform the ordinary into extraordinary, if you still feel you're not in an ambiance that allows you to break your own boundaries, then, it's time to move on... Life's not about being in a cage, it's about flying and singing a different song every day.

[Jon · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book starts off as though the author is trying to hard. The dramatization of his story telling lessens up the further I read. I just remembered; Its sister Jenny's book. I need to get it back to her.

[Anna (The Bursting Bookshelf) · Rating 2 out of 5]

Didn't finish.

[Diego Parada Herrera · Rating 2 out of 5]

The world of Cirque Du Soleil is fascinating. The way it is presented in this book is not my favorite thing. This is a self-help-motivating book that uses a fictitious storyline to present Cirque Du Soleil, at times losing the story of Cirque and dedicating a lot of paragraphs to the personal story of the protagonist (which is not real). If you are looking for the history and strategies of Cirque Du Soleil, this book is not for you. On the other hand, the book leaves you with the overall feeling of the people and culture of Cirque explained through many angles and personal stories. This is the best part of the book.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thoughts about how to challenge yourself every day to keep yourself motivated and loving what you do (making your career your calling). Presented in a novel format about a sports agent looking for ways to bring back the joy to his work. He ends up going to the Cirque du Soleil headquarters and working with many of the people responsible for the shows. Each person brings a new perspective, such as how to learn not to be afraid of success, how tighter deadlines can sometimes lead to more creative solutions, the importance of trust in yourself and others, and the importance of feeling totally responsible for your part of the job. Most of these can translate to any kind of work. This was an interesting presentation of some good ideas.

[Rebecca · Rating 2 out of 5]

What I enjoyed: A glimpse behind the scenes of how Cirque du Soleil works and what goes into their creative process. While nothing new was presented in regards to creativity, it was a good reminder of how deadlines and other restrictions can be a good thing, be open and honest, and be childlike when creating.

What I disliked: The conversations came off as preachy and didn't sound at all like how people really talk. Sometimes it felt like a hard push to advertise Cirque, which the book didn't need at all since most anyone picking it up will be a fan.

Also, I'm jealous of John U. Bacon for getting the chance to experience what it's like to train for Cirque du Soleil.

[Cecillia · Rating 3 out of 5]

A little book that helps us re-ignite that tiny spark inside every one of us :)
For those who feel stagnant in their daily lives and works, or for those who are simply big fans of Cirque du Soleil, i recommend this book. I happened to be both, but i give only 3 stars for this book. Actually i want to rate this 4 stars, but i hate the cover design...hahaha...well, not something i expect from a book that bear the name Cirque du Soleil on it, in my opinion :p

[Byron · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not a bad little book. There were a few moments where I felt a little twinkle of inspiration. Unfortunately, however, they were short-lived, and in the end I couldn't get over the self-congratulatory tone of the whole thing. I'll admit - Cirque is pretty cool. But I've heard Lyn Heward speak, so I can't say I was terribly surprised to find out who the heroine of this story was. In the end, it's a very quick read, and it wasn't too bad. But I can't give it more than 3 stars...I just can't.

[Kamy · Rating 3 out of 5]

liked it just enough to pass the 2-star mark. reads like a self-help book. interesting to learn about cirque du soleil. mildly inspiring passages. not worth it unless you are slightly desperate for inspiration.

[Magdelanye · Rating 4 out of 5]

what an inspiring blueprint for a creative life!
I enjoyed reading about the behind the scenes at Cirque de Soleil.
Would have appreciated pictures!

[Neal Smith · Rating 2 out of 5]

Two stars may be harsher than I intend. If I judged by the number of times I stopped to re-read a powerful sentence, then the short and impactful book would garner loftier praise. Unfortunately, I felt that much of the inspiration that is communicated in the book gets lost in the premise. 

Although the coupling of the "Big Idea" of the book with the fringe mystery and depth of Cirque Du Soleil is a fantastic pairing for story-telling, I actually found the story unbelievable, droll, and a little condescending. If the book had taken the tact of outlining qualities of embracing inspiration and creativity, the Big Idea, and correlated that to the people at Cirque, then it would have succeeded. If the book had taken the opposite approach to giving insight into the world of Cirque without directly calling out each point the Author made, it would have succeeded. As it is, the faux memoir of a fictional person interacting with real Cirque employees is highly unbelievable and a little annoying. No one speaks so formally and immediately expresses the depth that each of the interviews with the Cirque employees express. Their monologues are pedantic and, although truly insightful, don't play well with the story created to express them.

If you can set aside the wrapping of an unbelievable story with the lessons therein, this is a great book. It has many highlight-worthy passages, and accomplishes its objective of causing you to question the routine and stagnancy in your life or profession. It was impossible for me to read without having serious reflection about where my creative energy has gone lately. 

Worth the read, especially if you're feeling introspective or less creative, inspired, or passionate about your work than you used to. Also it is a very quick read. Just don't pay too much attention to the awkward story the lessons are presented in.

[Caleb · Rating 1 out of 5]

Flat. Sadly, this books falls flat when it aims to inspire creativity. I have the sense this a story told to someone else and I'm trying to receive the significance of their ahh hah moment without any of the corrlelating substance that epiphanies engender. I question whether this is true or just a variation of a marketing ploy.

I dare not question the validity of the experience. This may have very well happened but the same creativity the Cirque Du Soleil uses to so profoundly alter a person's soul was not present in the telling of this story. If life truly went from monochrome to technicolor for this man, it's hard for me to really truly feel or see why. Sadly I think if he was real he was terribly boring and wasn't deserving of the experience he had. There's no life to this book and Cirque Du Soleil is a life altering experience because it bursts with life. A book worthy with that name on it should be written with that in mind.

The good thing is that the book is short but like a donut it is unsatisfying and full of regret.

[Nichola · Rating 2 out of 5]

I thought this was going to be a little more inspiring, but the behind the scenes reveals of how the magic is created in Cirque de Soliel shows (very very cool stuff indeed) was dried out by the business book style presentation. They tell a little story (stop me if you've heard this one) of a bored privileged business-y guy being escorted and coached through their whole process, and he learns to re-value creativity and take risks, and he sighs deeply then says, wow, not only can I be a better businessman, but I can have a better life. It's the kind of guy that can take a month leave, and when returning, decide not to proceed as his boss suggests, but propose his own way forward and be told, sure... and then it's so successful the business benefits. Can we learn a lot from a guy like this with seemingly so few actual barriers and responsibilities? My fault I guess for not looking closer before reading.

[Héctor Iván Patricio Moreno · Rating 2 out of 5]

Otro libro de negocios que presenta expectativas irreales de cómo deben ser las cosas, además de que el formato de la historia estuvo horrible: demasiadas descripciones que no aportan mucho y solo hacen paja, porque ni siquiera son buenas. No entiendo por qué describía a las personas y por qué se tomaba tanta molestia en describir los lugares. La historia inverosímil que guía las "moralejas" no es entretenida ni tiene chiste.

Aun así, hay cosas del libro que me dejaron pensando sobre la pasión, la entrega y poner al cliente en el centro de lo que queremos como empresa; se me hacen plausibles e importantes. Claro que se podemos aspirar a ser lo mejor de lo mejor, si estamos dispuestos a pagar el costo.

[Ria · Rating 3 out of 5]

3*

I read this book because Soman Chainani recommended it.

I think the book covered and conveyed what it wanted to effectively but I think I wasn't the right reader for it. Rather than advice on challenging yourself, rekindling/finding your passion and how to be more creative, I'm right now in a place where I am already challenging myself and going through change(s) (I feel like I always am tbh but maybe it's also partly because I am young). I'm just not reading this book at the right time because what would probably resonate with me more is a book about a less active life and more rest lol. Stuff like that. The interviews with various staff members were interesting though.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars rounded up.
I appreciated the insights this book offers into the everyday workings and behind the scenes training that goes into every Cirque Du Soleil performance. Fascinating!
And there's no doubt that Cirque can ignite curiosity and a greater sense of creativity.
I do feel put off that this book is a novel rather than a real story - I didn't see that face anywhere in the promotional blurbs. Of course, I highly doubt anyone would be allowed to shadow the Cirque like Frank, either.
After reading this book, I will research more info about Cirque. I'm not really inspired to be more creative, though.

[Melissa · Rating 2 out of 5]

I've experienced the WOW! of four different Cirque Du Soleil shows: two in Orlando--the breathtaking La Nouba and inspiring Luzia; two in Las Vegas--the enchanting O and the equestrian Cavalia. Any author who uses the words, "quotidian," "avuncular," "ennui," and "kaleidoscope" correctly can't be too bad, but I wasn't dazzled. Lots of vague generalizations like this one run rampant: "When you finally give voice to your dreams, you never know what's going to happen" (42). Not a lot of takeaways here. My main one was: everyone in the organization matters, including the accountants. And why not? That's a good one.

[Laurence · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was recommended this for some tips on reading company cultures, so keep in mind my perspective is from that.

Firstly, it was a fantastic read and a great story and journey the main character finds himself on. Very interesting that several people note the key to creativity is trust and diversity. They only recruit "normal" people (they have turned down gold medallist applicants), and hire for the right fit for Cirque over people with high skills, and the right fit tends to be those who are more collaborative and have a growth mindset.

If you have read "The Goal" for a productivity novel, read this for a cultural novel.

[David Sutton · Rating 5 out of 5]

We are all creative, but too many people have lost the spark of life. This book follows a sports agent in a journey of rediscovery through the inner workings of Cirque Du Soleil. The lessons on creativity are priceless and line up nicely with the wisdom of Walt Disney,"This special secret can be summarized in the four C's. They are Curiosity, Confidence, Courage, and Consistancy, and the greatest of these is Confidence. When you believe a thing, believe in it all the way. Have Confidence in your ability to do it right and work hard to do the best possible job." I read this book for the TEA virtual book club and absolutely loved it.

[calico Rosenberg · Rating 2 out of 5]

The overwhelming majority of this book consist of characters literally telling us the vastly applicable lessons they learned from working at circus du soleil; while I believe that the presence of at least one underlying message is a critical component of every extraordinary read, here these comprise nearly the entirety of this very short book and in ubiquitous dialogue(sometimes inner) form, coming across as contrived, preachy and boring, despite a promising beginning and exciting subject matter.

[Brianna · Rating 3 out of 5]

The world of Cirque du Soleil is truly fascinating, and I had hoped to learn more about it and how to apply their principles to my life. However, the delivery of the message of this book was unexpected: It was a fictional, overdramatized story of someone going through Cirque "training" and lessons they gained. Now, the lessons aren't bad, but I think they would have hit a lot harder if they were told in a different way instead of lost in a sea of dialogue. Still love Cirque though.

[Sabareesh Sundaravel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reinventing a dead industry aka Circus for this generation is among the greatest feats happened in the business world.

The author, based on his visit into the belly of the beast, gives us a chance to vicariously explore the versatility of this innovative company.

Teamwork, Passion and Vision! The culmination of all these three virtues is Cirque du Soleil!

[Eliot Peper · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely parable of rediscovering the creative spark that burns inside all of us, revealed through one man's journey behind the scenes of Cirque du Soleil. Populated by a diverse cast of artists, acrobats, clowns, riggers, and choreographers—each with something universal to offer—this story will give you the gentle push you need to take a leap of faith into fulfilling your unrealized dreams.

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love the story and history behind Cirque du Soleil and wanted to read a behind-the-scenes account. I wasn’t as much into the life lessons that the author presented. It also wasn’t clear to me why Diane took the author under her wing in the first place. So, I enjoyed the stories of the Cirque performers, but not so much the rest of the book.

[Sheila Guevin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Have been a big fan of this circus and have seen all their Vegas shows, so the book really came to life for me. They used the Cirque way and that is to take you through the experience of what Cirque does and how is impacts people, by using a fictional person on a journey of discovery with Cirque.

It is delightful and inspirational.

Great way to start off a New Year of reading!

[Ben · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fun imaginative look at the behind the scenes of Cirque Du Soleil and how one can learn creativity from things, and inspiration into one's creativity. Not much else there to this, and mostly (most likely) fabricated stories of composite characters. But still entertaining and quick.

[Tony Spagnolo · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a good short book to read if you are curious about the Circus. Not a novel, but more of a tale about one man's stumble into the Cirque du Soleil. Well written true accounts with people in the Circus life.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one book I can’t recommend enough for anyone who works with other employees. It gives great principles of leadership, community, and creativity in more of a parable form—you see yourself in the struggle of the main character and work through issues. So good!!