Cirque Du Soleil to create a special co-operative performance

Cirque du Soleil is to create a special performance for the International Summit of Co-operatives, in Quebec City.

The international dance troupe, which is based in Quebec, will perform the unique show as part of the conference gala dinner on Wednesday, October 10th.

International leaders from around the world will be attending the Summit, which runs from October 8th-11th, as well as Imagine (October 6th-8th), the pre-Summit event on co-operative economics organised by St Mary's University.

Chantal Côté, Head of Public Relations for Cirque du Soleil, is keeping the special show a mystery. She said: “Details of our performance at the Summit are not available and won’t be disclosed in advance."

Cirque du Soleil, which was established in Quebec in 1984, has had a close relationship with the Summit's organiser financial co-operative Desjardins since it's early days. Ms Côté added: "Desjardins Group has been a partner with Cirque du Soleil since the very beginning of our company."

Delegates at the Summit, which is themed The Amazing Power of Co-operatives, will discuss various issues that affect the movement with a specific focus on finding ways to tackle development and performance challenges.

The opening event, Imagine, will bring together economists to contribute their expertise to creating a toolkit of basic concepts about co-operative economics.

• For more information on the Summit, visit: www.2012intlsummit.coop and for Imagine, visit: www.imagine2012.coop