We’ve all heard the adage: “the only constant is change.” And, although the concept can be unnerving at times, embracing change by way of new things, new places or new people is what makes the world go around.

Cirque du Soleil brings that message to Columbus with its Saltimbanco tour Aug. 12-23 at Nationwide Arena (click here & enter to win tickets). Saltimbanco means “urban themed with a focus on the constant change of life in the city.” The theme celebrates changing diversity and the importance of connecting with others.

“Transformation of our surroundings means experiencing the differences, getting to know the world in moving with it, connecting with others, living and working with them despite our differences,” says Carmen Ruest, direction of creation for Saltimbanco.

The setting, costumes and props are designed to be light and vibrant, reflecting life in a city. Performers entertain the audience with their extraordinary talents; their ability to walk a tight rope as if it were a sidewalk, to juggle effortlessly and dance with precision and grace.

Saltimbanco portrays the joy that can be found when we are able to be ourselves and the journey of discovering what that may entail. To purvey the message, the show begins with the cast looking similar and ends with each being uniquely different.

“Costumes follow the rhythm of the characters’ transformation. In the first part, they look alike but when you look closer they all have a unique side, a seed of their transformed character to come in the second part,” Ruest says. “This is a message of peace to our children, telling them that moving forward to a new life can be a positive and joyful experience … Showing how precious it could be to reach out to others, make new friends and fully live your life being yourself.”

Cirque du Soleil presents Saltimbanco Aug. 12-23, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays at 7:30 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays at 3:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. There will be no performances on Aug. 14. Adult tickets are $45-$95, children (12 and under) $36-$76. For tickets, visit www.cirquedusoleil.com, www.nationwidearena.com or call 800-745-3000.