PITTSBURGH -- We had the opportunity to go behind the scenes as performers prepared for Cirque Du Soleil's "Alegria." We watched as the cast ran through the show's acts in plain clothes.

The high-flying, gymnastic oriented performers were impressive. They practiced as if they were performing for a live audience. We particularly enjoyed the trampoline work. The performers did some wild tricks with perfect form and incredible height.

“I competed. This is just the reward from gymnastics. Every night we get to go out in front of huge crowds,” said performer Trudy McIntosh.

The cast members practice every day to stay in shape. “Most of them have been doing this since they were 4 years old. It’s a discipline. It’s just not about maintaining skills. It’s about improving. It’s very much a part of this company,” said artistic director Brooke Webb.

"Alegría's" international cast consists of more then 55 performers from 17 different countries, such as Argentina, Belarus, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Mongolia, Poland, Russia, Spain, Ukraine and the United States.

“We find new and interesting ways of being able to communicate. Of course, movement is a universal language,” said Webb.

While they may not understand each other all of the time, they cast members are close.

“We travel together. We live together. We work together. We eat together. We are a family,” said McIntosh.

While the relationships and performances are great, being a part of the show is a sacrifice.

“The sacrifices they have to make – they have to eat a certain way. They have to sleep a certain amount. They almost have to disconnect from society to live and breathe it,” said Webb.

Dozens of staff members make similar sacrifices.

The multimillion-dollar show travels with more than 200 costumes, 300 pairs of shoes, 100 wigs and 22 masks. Approximately 500 balls of knitting yarn, 1,094 yards of braid, 1,586 yards of lace, 22 pounds of glitter and 2,515 yards of silk jersey are used for the production of the costumes. One-thousand buttons and jewels were used for the two singers' costumes alone. “They take a lot of pride in their costumes. They’re stunning,” said Webb.

Before donning the beautiful, elaborate costumes, the performers put on their makeup. “It’s two hours each day of putting on their makeup,” said Webb.

The show has many themes -- power and the handing down of power over time, the evolution from ancient monarchies to modern democracies, old age and youth. It is against this backdrop that the characters of "Alegría" play out their lives. Kings' fools, minstrels, beggars, old aristocrats and children make up its universe, along with the clowns, who alone are able to resist the passing of time and the social transformations that accompany it.

Alegría takes the stage Oct. 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11 at the Petersen Events Center in Oakland.

VIDEO: Watch A Sneak Peek Of The Show

More than 10 million people have seen "Alegría" in more then 65 cities all over the world. Come see it for yourself in Pittsburgh.