In the overlapping worlds of circus arts and performance spectacles, Cirque du Soleil reigns. The various incarnations of Cirque du Soleil are renowned worldwide for the high-class artistry of its stage productions and handpicked, mesmerizing talent. Previously presented in a big-top circus setting, the show has been around and touring for 16 years. In May 2009, it was transferred into an arena show.

"[Now] we're playing in a much bigger space and things needed to be opened up," Artistic Director Brook Webb said. "Everything had to be made for an arena environment. We are so used to being in the big top, where we travel with everything we need. The great thing is that [Alegría] stands the test of time. We look at concepts, not storylines."

Webb says every show has its own heartbeat and because of it's been around for 16 years, Alegría has a very strong foundation. As for the content, the show has something different for child and adult audiences.

"It's almost like watching an episode of ‘The Simpsons,'" Webb said. "The kids take away something different than the adults. The young kids and the older generation all respond to the same thing but in a different way."

Cirque du Soleil's Alegría Breslin Center March 31-April 4 Performances at 1 p.m., 3:30 p.m., 5 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. $27.50-$85.50 breslincenter.com, (517) 432-1989

Stephanie Vambuymder is a 25-year-old from Belgium who has been performing with the company since April 2008. Her Cirque specialty is Power Track, which she describes as "a long and narrow trampoline [where] we jump with 14 artists. Not all the time together but, there is 14 of us jumping all over together...over each other, under each other."

Like many Cirque performers, Vambuymder began as a gymnast. After 12 years, she switched to tumbling, which remained her focus for six more years. After tiring of competitions, she made a performance video and sent it to Cirque du Soleil. Upon acceptance, she shipped off to Montreal - where the world headquarters is located - to receive additional training before embarking on her first show in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

"Power Track was my hobby, and now it's my job," she said.

While on tour, the artists "all train together on stage." Although, Vambuymder says, "some people do personal training with cardio and Pilates," independent of the show's rehearsal time.

Stephanie also meets many aspiring Cirque performers.

"There are lots of fans, lots of Facebook groups. A lot of people are very interested in the job but it is difficult to be good enough."