Have you ever been to a "traditional" circus? Have you seen a Cirque du Soleil performance, either in person or on video? What's the difference between the traditional circus and Cirque's approach to this form of entertainment?

As you look at the Cirque du Soleil main page, does it make you want to click anywhere? (Check out a video.) What does the web page signal about the difference in this circus's offerings? Is it still a "circus"?

2. How has Cirque du Soleil's leadership been able to create a new market space in a traditional industry? Is setting a direction, designing the organization, and nurturing a culture sufficient to create a sustainable business?

3. Cirque du Soleil was known for its innovation. Now that it was struggling, how could it continue to innovate in new directions?

4. Consider the business restructuring plan to developed by Lalibert to manage diversification through the creation of discrete business units (Paramour, 45 degrees) to strengthen the noncircus side of the business. Would these diversifications be enough to help Lalibert and Cirque take on new and different challenges, or was the rarity gone? Explain your answer, with examples and sources