The hubby and I took off (almost like wild horses) from our usual parenting duties to catch Cavalia, and we did not regret a thing.
Cavalia is much more than just a circus show. Hailed as an “equestrian spectacular,” it is a mesmerising display of acrobatics, dance, theatrical effects, combined with a touching tale of friendship between man and horse.
Featuring a “moving” backdrop via a 60-metre-wide giant screen, and a colossal 50-metre-wide stage, all housed under the largest touring tent in the world, Cavalia is truly a performance in a class of its own. It is a treat for all the senses, and I felt like I was being immersed in a different world - a world where dreams, humans and horses collide in one beautifully-choreographed dance.
The stars of the show are the 50 elegant and majestic horses. The opening scene was of one horse galloping across the stage, the longest stage I’ve ever seen at any live show (by the way), to allow for the horses’ magnificence and grace to be displayed in freedom and full glory.
I was struck by the love and respect shown for the horses. After each act and performance, the acrobats could be seen patting and stroking the horses, as if praise and affirmation is as important to a horse as it is to a human being.
Cavalia has everything you would want in a performance. Emotion, friendship, camaraderie, fun, energy, comedy, and beauty. I also loved the way the cast engaged us as an audience. They asked for claps and cheers (not that they needed to ask, really), inviting us into their inner circle to learn to appreciate the beauty and majesty of their trusty equestrian friends.
Of course, there were the daredevil stunts - Roman riding (one rider standing astride two horses), riding upside down, standing on one leg, even jumping over hurdles at top speed. All these served to elicit squeals, wows and gasps from the enthralled audience.
I enjoyed the aerial acts. The female aerialists were graceful and perfect in timing and accuracy. It was breath-taking to watch, and I couldn’t help but hold onto my seat wondering if a slight miscalculation would occur. Obviously, and thankfully, none ever did.
The other scene I loved was that featuring the horse whisperer. With a deft change in movement, a skip in his gait perhaps, the horses got their cue and changed their formation or stopped and posed. It was amazing how trusting they were of him, and him of them. He was so comfortable and confident amidst these unbridled horses running around him. The relationship, and resulting performance, was magical to behold.
I have only one word to sum up Cavalia. Captivating.
Cavalia in Singapore will have its last performance under the White Theatre Tent at Bayfront Avenue (next to Marina Bay Sands) on October 5, 2014. Be sure to catch it! Tickets are available at Sistic.
We received media invites to catch Cavalia. All opinions expressed are mine. Photo credit: Cavalia
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