If you've been around the Marina Bay area in the last couple of weeks, you would have noticed an addition in the foreground of our city skyline.
Standing tall and proud in the heart of our financial district are tall white fairytale spires, housing the stage, setting and stables for the innovative equestrian theatrical spectacular -- Cavalia, which opened yesterday, 12 August 2014. Created by Normand Latourelle, one of the co-founders of the world-renown Cirque du Soleil, Cavalia brings together 50 horses and 46 riders, aerialists, acrobats, dancers and musicians to put on a lavish show of fantasy and fun that showcases and celebrates the relationship between humans and horses. It is this focus that make Cavalia truly one-of-a-kind.
I had the opportunity to go meet the horses and their riders last week and I can tell you everyone there that morning were extremely taken by these beautiful creatures. (I mean the horses, of course, though the riders didn't look too bad themselves!) With their glossy manes and fine form, these were some of the most good-looking and well-cared for horses I've ever encountered.
And the bond between horse and human? It was immediately apparent in the interactions between them as we walked through the stables.
A total of 50 horses were flown comfortably over 11,000km on board a 747 aircraft specially equipped with air stalls and settled into their 1,500 square metre stable on site. There they each have a designated box with lots of space to stretch, lie down, sprawl out, roll or relax. An interesting fact I learnt was that the horses' stalls are always lined up in the same order so that they will always have the same neighbours wherever they travel to in the world, to give them that sense of familiarity even with changes in environment.
The genuine love of the riders/trainers underscores Cavalia's training philosophy, which is rooted in patience, trust and deep-seated respect. I was told that while the horses enjoy being on stage, where they perform a choreographed routine, they are also given the latitude to express themselves. Of course, this means that there are times when things do not go according to plan! But that's just how it is when performing with animals. The riders/trainers will prompt, encourage, and maybe offer a treat or two, but if the horse does not feel like doing something, it will not be forced to do so.
At Cavalia, the horses are family. And that's what makes the difference.
After having met the horses, I couldn't wait to catch the show. I was not disappointed -- it was truly SPECTACULAR!
More on that coming up in my next post!
Cavalia Ticketing and Show Information
Season: 12 August to 14 September 2014Venue: Under the White Theatre Tent at Bayfront Avenue beside Marina Bay Sands
Performance Times: Tuesday to Friday 7.30pm; Saturday 2pm & 7.30pm; Sunday 12pm & 5.30pm (No shows on 13, 19 and 26 August)
Ticket Prices: VIP: $308, $288, $248, $208; Standard: $188, $148, $98, $88, $58.
Booking Through Internet: www.cavalia.sg or Sistic
Booking By Phone: +65 31586735 (Cavalia) or +65 6688 8826 (Sistic)
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