Michael Jackson's estate and Cirque du Soleil have announced the official international launch of a joint project: Michael Jackson - The Immortal World Tour.

The production will combine MJ's music and choreography with Cirque du Soleil style design.

The Jackson estate and Montreal-based Cirque du Soleil, which already has produced shows based on the music of Elvis Presley and The Beatles, will each own half of the project arising from the partnership. They will split development and production costs.

The shows will begin in Montreal, Canada in October 2011 and travel to select North American cities for the first leg. Additional cities and dates will be announced.