BRAVO BRINGS THE WORLD'S MOST ASTOUNDING ACROBATIC 'PARTY' TO THE SMALL SCREEN WITH 'CIRQUE DU SOLEIL: LA NOUBA'

TROUPE'S NEWEST ACT 'LA NOUBA' TO PREMIERE SATURDAY, APRIL 23 AT 8:00 PM AS PART OF BRAVO'S 'CIRQUE DU SOLEIL WEEKEND'

NEW YORK -- February 24, 2005 -- Bravo, the official U.S. television network of Cirque du Soleil, continues with the premiere of the troupe's spectacular show "La Nouba" on Saturday, April 23 (8-10 p.m. EST). Stemming from a French phrase that translates to 'to party, to live it up,' "La Nouba" fulfills its meaning with ten spectacular acts, including the Aerial Cradle, Flying Trapeze, High Wire, German Wheel and the Power Track/Trampoline.

"Cirque du Soleil: La Nouba" is permanently presented at the Walt Disney World? Resort in Orlando, Florida. Featuring an acclaimed score, astounding acts and comedic interludes by the troupe's skilled performers, this show takes audiences on a magical, mythical and unforgettable journey through the universe. "La Nouba" features two groups of clashing characters, the 'Cirques' and the 'Urbains.' Through their interaction, the story of "La Nouba" unfolds into another memorable Cirque du Soleil performance. "La Nouba" premieres during Bravo's "Cirque du Soleil Weekend" (Friday, April 22- Sunday, April 24).

"La Nouba," the television special, is directed by David Mallet and was shot with 14 cameras in high definition. It is a "Cirque du Soleil Images" production.

"La Nouba" Featured Acts Include:

"Aerial Cradle:" Unlike the traditional circus aerial cradle, Cirque du Soleil's version adds a unique twist as the male and female artist take turns supporting one another while hanging from a structure 34 feet above the stage.

"Flying Trapeze:" These amazing performers fly through the air at incredible speeds, soaring 53 feet above the stage. With grace and extraordinary precision, the aerialists fly in tandem from swing to swing displaying strength and coordination.

"High Wire:" Balance and precision unite in this act, which takes place on a 90-foot-long high wire strung 34 feet in the air. Artists perform numerous skills, including head balancing and somersaults.

"German Wheel:" Artistic invention takes a spin when this dynamic duo performs amazing feats on giant wheels measuring six-and-a-half feet in diameter and joined at six points.

"Power Track/Trampoline:" This act brings a mix of martial arts, gymnastics, and human juggling to the stage as performers bounce off walls and soar through windows on a multi-leveled trampoline. The artists fly, leap, tumble, and handspring with unparalleled accuracy and synchronization.

Bravo's "Cirque du Soleil Weekend" Schedule:

Friday, April 22

"Cirque du Soleil: Varekai" (8-10 p.m. EST) Encore presentations Saturday, April 23 from 12-2 a.m. EST and 3-5 p.m. EST.

"Cirque du Soleil: Dralion" (10 p.m.-12 a.m. EST) Encore presentation Sunday, April 24 from 3-5 p.m. EST.

Saturday, April 23

"Cirque du Soleil: La Nouba" (8-10 p.m. EST) Encore presentations Sunday, April 24 from 12-2 a.m. EST and 9-11 p.m. EST.

"Cirque du Soleil: Alegria" (10 p.m.-12 a.m. EST)

Sunday, April 24

"Cirque du Soleil: Saltimbanco" (11 p.m.-1 a.m. EST)

In 2003 the Bravo original series, "Cirque du Soleil Fire Within," won the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Non Fiction Program (Alternative).

Bravo is an arts and culture network featuring a variety of programs presented in an original and engaging way. Currently seen in more than 77 million homes, Bravo is the television destination for viewers who want creativity, experimentation and innovation. Offering programming with a unique point of view, the network features original series and specials, feature films (both independent and mainstream) as well as performance specials and compelling documentary series. Its critically-acclaimed and award-winning original programming includes "Inside the Actors Studio," "Celebrity Poker Showdown," and Cirque du Soleil specials and series, as well as the 2004 Emmy winner for Outstanding Reality Program, "Queer Eye for the Straight Guy." The network's latest hits include "Blow Out," "Showbiz Moms & Dads," and the improvisational sitcom "Significant Others."

Bravo is a program service of NBC Universal Cable Entertainment, a division of NBC Universal one of the world's leading media and entertainment companies in the development, production, and marketing of entertainment, news, and information to a global audience. Bravo has been a NBC Cable Network since December 2002 and was the first television service dedicated to film and the performing arts when it launched in December 1980. For more press information and photography log onto www.nbcumv.com. For consumer information visit www.bravotv.com.