If you're just discovering the vast world of Cirque du Soleil, welcome! With fourteen current shows, several retired ones, and a few new ones on the horizon, Cirque du Soleil is a rapidly-expanding show business which you are bound to come across at least once in your life. This French-Canadian circus group, if it can even be called a "group" anymore, has become one of the world's most known and respected names in acrobatics and performance arts. No matter where in the world you go, you are bound to eventually see Le Grand Chapiteau in all of its blue and gold glory. Listen closely- you just might hear a note or two of some of the most beautiful show music in the world.

On eBay, there are a number of Cirque du Soleil-related auctions. It is certainly safe to purchase Cirque du Soleil goods on eBay, but there are several important things to keep in mind regarding tickets, accessories, clothing, and all aspects of Cirque when buying over the internet.

1. Tickets - When you're looking for show tickets, unless you're in a rush and need tickets to a show in the immediate future, it is always best to check the official Cirque du Soleil website at cirquedusoleil.com first. Even if you're more likely to find a deal on eBay, the charts and information on the Cirque website are a basis for comparing what you'll find for ticket costs in auctions. The Cirque site will show you exactly what seat you are purchasing a ticket for, and what price ranges are assosciated with what areas. I have seen countless auctions that are drastically overpriced- don't fall victim to these scams just because you're uninformed! You will still see an amazing show, but Cirque tickets are pricey to begin with... don't forfeit extra money! Check the seat and time, and then see what the retail price is listed as.
    - When you are looking at going to see a show, buy your tickets as far in advance as you can. Even two months in advance can be too late to find good seats. For example, tickets to the Las Vegas resident shows can be purchased 4 months in advance.
    - Also be aware of the Tapis Rouge tickets. These tickets, which cost substantially more, include preferred seating and parking, hors d'ouvres, the Tapis Rouge CD, and desserts. Also, people from the Tapis Rouge section of the audience, since it is in the front, are much more likely to get called onstage during the show. Please note that Tapis Rouge tickets are only available for touring shows - if you see an auction with Tapis Rouge tickets for the Vegas Shows, La Nouba, DELIRIUM, or, theoretically, Saltimbanco, you are getting scammed!
   
2. Clothing - The Cirque du Soleil Boutique features beautiful, unique clothes in stunning designs. Because these pieces are only sold in select locations and somewhat rare, you are sure to get compliments about these articles if you own them; even their t-shirts go above and beyond the expected. Clothing is sold in all Grand Chapiteau tents, in the arenas where Saltimbanco and Delirium are presented, and in shops at all of the resident shows, as well as online. However, please note that more often than not, Cirque du Soleil shirts run small, and are very form-fitting. A general rule to go by is, when possible, ALWAYS try on Cirque clothing before purchasing it. If you think you will get a better deal online and you are near a shop, then try on whatever you are looking at first. If all else fails, check the measurements carefully. A good tip is, if you are at a show and you find a top that fits well and you like, write down or make a mental note of the size and style. You can search for the item on eBay and have the chance to find it at a reduced price, or order it from cirquedusoleil.com and have it shipped to you. In addition, the boutiques at different shows often have some of the same tops, so don't be afraid that you're missing your only opportunity to own a certain shirt.
   
3. Music - The music of Cirque du Soleil is one of its key elements, and is thought by many fans, including me, to be the most integral part of every show. I've seen many people who go to see a show for the first time, and then immediately want to own the soundtrack. However, unlike a Broadway show, Cirque du Soleil soundtracks are often not direct recordings of the shows. On one hand, if you're looking for the music from KÀ or O, buying the soundtrack will give you pretty much the exact songs you heard in the theatre. Soundtracks like Dralion, Mystère, and Corteo differ slightly from the show songs- they feature the same songs, but often in a slightly different format or a version that sounds better on a CD than would in real life. The Varekai soundtrack is notably different and more loosely based on the show, which has inspired mix reviews from fans. I highly reccommend all of the soundtracks, however, it is good to be aware that, more often than not, there will be differences from the live show. It is advisable to visit a site like Amazon and listen to a few clips to get an idea of what you will hear, and then make your eBay purchase.
    - The Tapis Rouge Solarium CD, which is given to Tapis Rouge guests, features remixed versions of Cirque songs from different shows. The Delirium CD (not the soundtrack for the show), like Solarium, also features remixes. The Solarium ones are more downbeat, while the Delirium ones are more house/dance-style. The DELIRIUM soundtrack features, for the most part, songs similar to the original Delirium, except with English lyrics.
   
4. DVDs - There isn't much to say about the DVDs. This is the perfect opportunity for you to relive your experience in Le Grand Chapiteau again without leaving your living room. All of the DVDs are excellent, with professional filming. They do a wonderful job of capturing the feeling. Most of the DVDs are recordings of the actual shows, however, there are others, which include:
    - Fire Within - A three disc documentary of the making of Varekai. Follows several artists in particular and their struggle to prepare for the show.
    - KÀ Extreme - A behind-the-scenes look at the making of KÀ.
    - Alegría - There is a DVD that is a recording of show as well as a movie based off of the show, telling the story of a mime and a young boy. Check the Internet Movie Database for more information.
    - Lovesick - A look at the creation of the erotic show ZUMANITY.
    - Midnight Sun - A performance from July 11, 2004 which features 150 artists and over 100 singers. A collaboration between Cirque du Soleil and the Festival International de Jazz de Montrèal.
    - Journey of Man - Originally an IMAX film, features acts from various shows set to a mix of new and old Cirque music with a loose plot.
    - Also available are La Magie Continue, Nouvelle Experience, Solstrom, Cirque Reinvente, and Baroque Odyssey.
   Please also note that at this time, there are no DVDs directly of the Las Vegas shows due to copyright laws. There is an O documentary that was made in 2007, but it is still unknown if it will be released to the public. In addition, rumour has it that a Kooza DVD will be filmed later this year.
   
5. Other Cirque du Soleil Items - Generally, Cirque du Soleil merchandise is made of high-quality materials and held to a high standard. Thus, you should have confidence in whatever items you are purchasing that have been directly produced by the company. However, as always, bid with care and use your common sense!

I hope that this guide has been of some use! I have been an avid Cirque du Soleil junkie for four years now, and I am happy to share my knowledge with others. If I think of more things, I will be sure to add them- feel free to message me any suggestions.
If you are thinking about seeing a show and you're not sure what to see, feel free to message me! I have seen a majority of the Cirque shows and I would be happy to discuss them with you and reccomend some, depending on your preference and location!

Thank you for reading, and best of luck!