Cirque du Soleil is an entertainment empire based in Montréal, Québec Canada and founded in Baie-Saint-Paul, Québec in 1984 by two former street performers, Guy Laliberté and Daniel Gauthier. Cirque is unlike traditional circuses in that they do not use animals. Every show is different and features original music and performances. The group is noted for their blue-yellow-striped tent (the Grand Chapiteau) which they bring to each performance. Some shows such as “O”, standing for eau (water in French) only stay in one location because they need a specific stage. Cirque has been described as the modern circus and focuses upon a storyline as well as amazing performances. It has several resident and touring troupes and draws heavily from the circus tradition. Its performances combine elements of street performances and busking, circus, opera, ballet, world music and rock music. Acts include contortionists, jugglers, feats of strength, clowning, and trapeze artists. Their costumes are very colorful. The resident shows have established homes in two of the entertainment centers of the United States: Las Vegas, Nevada, and Orlando, Florida. Its creations have been awarded numerous prizes and distinctions, including two Gemini awards and a Primetime Emmy Award for Cirque du Soleil Fire Within (in 2003) and three Primetime Emmy Awards for Cirque du Soleil Presents Dralion (in 2001).