MAYBE IT’S THE pair of larger-than-life black loafers (no shorter than 3-metres long) complete with white ankle socks that really sets the tone for what a Michael Jackson extravaganza should look like.

The Immortal World Tour concert by Cirque du Soleil launched yesterday in Dubai, bringing with it all the eccentricities and musical nuances that only the King of Pop could have pulled off.

The show encompasses all the things you might expect from a Cirque production and possibly everything else that might have been showcased during Jackson’s This Is It tour before his untimely death.

Although there’s an obvious absence on stage, the concert dedicated entirely to Jackson’s long and celebrated musical history is held up by hundreds of dancers and musicians who have either worked with him or display a lifelong passion for his revolutionary work.

The size of the show’s production is staggering. Behind the scenes are hundreds of costumes and props and a small army of technicians and staff to keep the behemoth machine moving. Hanging above the stage are the makeshift gates to Neverland, the home that Jackson made famous with amusement park rides and surreal decor. The show’s lead, a mime covered head-to-toe in Swarvoski crystals, is an ode to the jewelled glove that Jackson made iconic.

Percussionist Bashiri Johnson knows these details better than most. He still remembers the last night he shared rehearsals with the legend when at around 1am, Michael waved at the cast and crew, blew them a kiss and told them he would be back tomorrow.

“It’s funny because looking back on it now, it’s sort of surreal,” Johnson said during rehearsals at the Dubai World Trade Centre where the show is being held.

“He was a laser focused artist, he wouldn’t let stuff go. He wanted us to make sure that the band was playing the music the way the fans remembered it.”

“It was really amazing working for someone like that because it makes you that much more excellent at what you have to do.”

A riveting fusion of visuals, dance, music and fantasy that immerses audiences in Michael’s creative world, the show acts as a sort of biography of his history in the limelight alongside messages of peace and unity that transcended the globe.

The international cast of young people features 49 world-class acrobats, musicians, singers and dancers who have already performed 406 shows in 117 cities to over 3 million visitors.

Julia Piolanti and Igor Zaripov, aerialists with the show, provide thrilling elements to the production with their heart stopping talents.

“All acts from this show were created using the lyrics of Michael’s music,” the pair explained, “and it’s all about the love and connection that he had with his fans.”

“We wanted to represent these feelings so that they could see Michael’s favourite songs come to life in a way they haven’t experienced yet.”