Created by Cirque du Soleil co-founder Normand Latourelle, Cavalia is the world’s first equestrian ballet. The striking spectacle is a global hit, viewed by more than four million people. Declared the “best show ever” by CNN icon Larry King, it’s already wowed Shanghai since its summer debut. However, chances are running out to catch it as it winds down on September 13.
Entering the Shanghai Expo Equestrian Park, it’s impossible to overlook the Big White Top. Created specifically for the show, the two pitched tents encompass over 2,400 square meters and are shaped like a white castle.
It’s one of the many unique features of Cavalia. Created in 2003, the show takes its title from the French and Spanish word for horse (caballo and cheval), as well as the English word cavalry. Often compared to Cirque du Soleil, the show is a breathtaking mix of equestrian arts, acrobatics, live music and cutting-edge technology. One of North America’s most popular draws, Cavalia finally made its Mainland debut this summer in Shanghai.
“After receiving all the feedback about the show, it just felt right to bring it to the Mainland,” explains Vivian Wang, who is the Operations Director of the show’s Shanghai stop. “I was even more convinced when I watched a herd of horses ‘drift away’ on the stage!”
At first we weren’t sure what Wang meant, but the answer was soon apparent as the show started. To build up anticipation, large pieces of dark cloth cover the stage. The show starts in pitch black with melodious chanting echoing through the Big White Top.
Emerging out of darkness, performers dressed in medieval costumes enter the stage and into a spotlight dancing with each other before a pair of white Arabian horses trot onto the stage.
Thus begins the first chapter of Cavalia, which pays tribute to the relationship between humans and horses throughout history. Things kick off with the nomads and a herd of white Arabian studs with gleaming manes galloping swiftly yet gracefully in front of the audience. Drifting mystery solved!
With a cast of 45 artists and five musicians, Cavalia is a big theatrical spectacle. However, the show revolves around its equine performers, which can lead to some unpredictability.
“The horses are the stars in this show,” Wang explains. “The choreography is based on them and the performers spend as much time as possible to bond with them - to befriend them in a natural way. But if the horses don’t feel like tumbling on stage, the riders can’t force them to.”
Regardless of whether the horses complete their tasks, their human handlers make sure to constantly express their affection by caressing their head, kissing their cheek or whispering in their ear.
Fortunately, the horses are up to the task most of the time, delighting the crowd with tricks like crouching and hurdling. Some of the feats are truly impressive, like the female acrobat dancing on a running horse’s back unattached or the male acrobat who performs splits and backward somersaults while riding his steed.
As the show progresses through time, the background shifts from deserts to jungle on the show’s projection wall in time with the music. Throughout, the riders dip into their bag of tricks, stunning the audience with feats that have to be seen to be believed – like riding the animals with only one foot hooked on the saddle.
The show crescendos when the sandy side stage that acts as the horse’s playground shifts into the pool. All of the show’s horses emerge for their last mission – using all their power to splash the audience. It’s always more fun to be entertained than intimidated by these muscular creatures.
The delight that the horses bring puts a smile on Wang’s face and may even have been passed onto her unborn baby.
“It keeps kicking me during the show,” she laughs. Already a mother to two children, Wang believes that Cavalia has changed them.
“My eldest son refused to sacrifice his game time to watch this, but his rebellious face changed the moment he saw real horses galloping on the stage,” she recalls. “Later when we visited the barn, I could tell the way that the riders and horses’ bond impacted him. This is an excellent chance for the iGeneration to bond with nature. It’s also a thoughtful lesson for parents on how to get along with your kids.”
// Until Sep 13 (Tues-Sun), 7.30pm (with weekend matinees at 2.30pm), RMB280-1,880. Shanghai Expo Equestrian Park, tickets.
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