“Cavalia” Horse/Cirque Spectacular show hits Orange County, Ca. from January 9 till January 28, 2007
"Cavalia" Horse/Cirque Spectacular show hits
Written by Todd Elliot
If you are interested in a Cirque style show that is different from all the rest, look no further than “Cavalia”- The touring Horse/Human combination show is one of the most remarkable events you will ever see. The mix of equestrian and performing arts/acrobatics with the relationship between human and horses is unparalleled. The trainers/riders maintain control and discipline with the beautiful animals.
With virtual settings including sand/water/fake snow/leaves falling and a scrim with a variety of backdrops that looked real, incredible lighting, extremely talented musicians, the show is beyond belief and a must see when it comes to your city. Performances kicked off in
I interviewed the show creator, Normand Latourelle, and he was very thrilled of his show. He was very modest and humble when we chatted after the opening performance as he is a genius from what he made of this show. It has taken years to work on this show which started about 5-6 years ago. He was a pioneer with Cirque du Soleil until 1990.
The show includes 54 male horses made up of Stallions and Geldings and 37 Artists. Some of the more memorable parts of the show included: Horse Jumping with acrobatics while on the horses; Choreographed Dressage riding which is a specialty in the horse world; Roman style riding which included riders standing up and riding 2 horses at the same time and the lead female rider riding 2 with another 2 horses in front that she held onto; Cavalcade riding which is group riding that was choreographed beautifully; having horses go backwards coinciding with others going forward while next to each other; prancing horses that looked like they were dancing; having the horses kneel down and even lie down by themselves; Mirror image horses where 2 females dressed alike faced each other with their horses that looked alike so create a skit like they one was facing itself in a mirror. And last but not least and my favorite was the galloping horses with acrobat riders holding on by their side, upside down; and doing balancing acts while the horses raced across the stage at very fast speeds!
The artists were absolutely fantastic from balance beam acts with acrobatics, many flips and trampoline, trapeze, and a great female singer.
The show is about 2 hours and 20 minutes long with a 20 minute intermission. It takes place at the Big Tents at the Verizon Ampitheater in Irvine.Tickets are $40-69 and can be purchased by calling 866-999-8111. There are also VIP packages called the Rendez-Vous available which includes refreshments, drinks, some food and visiting the horses in the stable that I highly suggest. More information on the show and future dates/tours can be found at www.cavalia.net