Hawaii, prepare to be enraptured and entertained by the magical world of Cirque du Soleil.

The islands are finally getting to see the real deal, as the internationally renowned, Canadian-based company brings its signature show, “;Saltimbanco,”; to the Blaisdell Arena for a scheduled 16-day engagement.

According to senior artistic director Richard Dagenais, the talented cast and crew were taking a well-deserved hiatus from their extensive touring before beginning their stint here that started Thursday.

“;Coming to Hawaii is particularly exciting for us,”; Dagenais said by phone from Montreal earlier this month. “;It was on a beach there that its founder Guy Laliberte came up with the inspiration of creating a touring, European-style circus with skilled performers and acrobats. So Cirque du Soleil is coming full circle by finally playing Hawaii and returning to its beginnings, as it were.”;

Dagenais describes “;Saltimbanco”; as “;the perfect show for a new audience, a family show that is really for everybody”; and one that acknowledges the importance of diversity, much like the mix of people in Hawaii.

Taking its title from the Italian “;saltare in banco,”; or literally “;to jump on a bench,”; this style of circus was inspired by street performers who traditionally used props that were on hand. Cirque's benchmark show is a colorful and lyrical celebration of the expression of physique in motion. The colorfully attired international cast, set in an imaginary city, wrap themselves around Chinese poles, hurl themselves through the air attached to bungee ropes, cycle and juggle amid the show's fanciful metropolis setting.

“;Since its first development over 16 years ago, 'Saltimbanco' has become the basis of how circus acts in general are visualized and presented,”; Dagenais said. “;The show, as a whole, is known for being innovative in its presentation, making seamless transitions from act to act that ties everything together. ... 'Saltimbanco' is a very evocative show, much like going to see a theater play.”;

The show has been adapted to play in arena venues like the Blaisdell, apart from its origins as a big-top tent event that was set up in large parking lots.

With the inclusion of live singers and musicians, Dagenais promises that the Hawaii audience “;will see the real and full version of 'Saltimbanco,' as it was originally created and intended—but we also allow our performers to integrate their own unique talents and skills, as long as they're respectful of the show's initial concept.”;

When asked what acts in particular should wow the crowd, Dagenais said, “;there is amazing acrobatic work done on the Russian swing and our signature closing act, a bungee ballet, is wonderful, with aerialists flying and jumping in and around each other from trapezes on high.

“;I personally love the music in that and, of course, I love our clown act that includes audience anticipation. It's always new because you can never anticipate how someone will work with him.”;