Behind the scenes with Fontana water circus in Dubai - in pictures

  • Fontana, a travelling water circus produced by Cirque Du Liban in Lebanon, is at Dubai Festival City. All photos: Chris Whiteoak / The National
    Fontana, a travelling water circus produced by Cirque Du Liban in Lebanon, is at Dubai Festival City. All photos: Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • The National went behind the scenes with the performers ahead of the show.
    The National went behind the scenes with the performers ahead of the show.
  • The show features trapeze artists.
    The show features trapeze artists.
  • Bright costumes are the norm throughout the show.
    Bright costumes are the norm throughout the show.
  • The people involved in the show are from more than 20 countries and speak more than 15 languages.
    The people involved in the show are from more than 20 countries and speak more than 15 languages.
  • Duo Del Comedia, a Spanish comedy pair, have been getting rave reviews.
    Duo Del Comedia, a Spanish comedy pair, have been getting rave reviews.
  • Music plays a large part in the show.
    Music plays a large part in the show.
  • A variety of dance performances are featured.
    A variety of dance performances are featured.
  • A performer gears up for the show.
    A performer gears up for the show.
  • Performers practise between three and six hours a day, depending on how many shows they have.
    Performers practise between three and six hours a day, depending on how many shows they have.
  • Applying makeup ahead of showtime.
    Applying makeup ahead of showtime.
  • Aerial performers wow the crowds.
    Aerial performers wow the crowds.
  • A trio of aerial artists show off their skills.
    A trio of aerial artists show off their skills.
  • About 35,000 gallons of water are used in the Fontana fountains.
    About 35,000 gallons of water are used in the Fontana fountains.
  • The show runs in Dubai until December 31.
    The show runs in Dubai until December 31.
  • This is the first time a travelling water circus has come from the Middle East.
    This is the first time a travelling water circus has come from the Middle East.
  • A saxophone-playing clown.
    A saxophone-playing clown.
  • The name Fontana was inspired by the Trevi Fountain in Rome, Italy.
    The name Fontana was inspired by the Trevi Fountain in Rome, Italy.
  • A performer checks his equipment before the show.
    A performer checks his equipment before the show.
  • Daredevil stunts.
    Daredevil stunts.
  • Cabaret-style outfits.
    Cabaret-style outfits.
  • The archer at target practice.
    The archer at target practice.
  • A motorcyclist's stunts draw gasps of awe from the audience.
    A motorcyclist's stunts draw gasps of awe from the audience.
  • An aerial artist at work.
    An aerial artist at work.
  • Water and light 'dance' in sync to the music.
    Water and light 'dance' in sync to the music.
  • Caught in a loop.
    Caught in a loop.
  • The clowns, particularly, are audience favourites.
    The clowns, particularly, are audience favourites.
  • Spectacular costumes are a feature of the performance.
    Spectacular costumes are a feature of the performance.
  • The show lasts two hours.
    The show lasts two hours.
  • The circus is a family-friendly event open to children as young as two.
    The circus is a family-friendly event open to children as young as two.