A continuation of our anniversary celebrations, Sean and I went to Cavalia last week. This show is so popular, it has been extended like 3 times since it’s opened March 22, that’s how much Vancouverites are going ga-ga for horses. And I can see why.
It was beautiful. And breath-taking. From magical and mystical beginning to the rowdy and rollicking trick riding finish. Simply put, a great showcase of the relationship between man and horse.
During the cavalcade vignette, a group of young acrobat men took turns jumping either from the trampolines or up off the ground to grab onto the leather strap on the horse galloping round and round in the enclosed circle. The acrobats would jump from one side of the horse to the other to the other and then let go so the next man can do the same. It was all very exciting.
During the liberté I scene, Sean and I laughed when this adorable horse with an over-abundance of plaited, what we called “Milli Vanilli hair” wouldn’t comply with what the trainer wanted it to do. How can you blame the horse? All it wanted was to get this fancy hair away from its eyes.
There was some fancy foot-working horses too. But one must accept that perhaps horses don’t moonwalk as easily as humans do.
And like children, horses can be rebellious when put on the spot to perform. During the grand liberté, diminutive horse whisperer Sylvia Zerbini couldn’t get one of the 10 horses to gallop around the outside ring of the stage. That horse kept taking a shortcut and cutting across the stage.
But that’s the very best thing about watching animals (and children). Their unpredictability not only makes us laugh, but also endears themselves to us. Even when one of the horses would not budge an inch, despite the horse whisperer’s gentle prodding until it relieved himself with a giant poop on the grounds.
Of all the acts, surely, the most beautiful act was the grande liberté, because of all the unbridled horses running free. You could see the shape of the horses’ bodies, all the muscles and how they move. Horses are truly exquisite animals.
Photo credit: Cavalia
The carrousel act was also beautiful. Imagine lord of the rings. The female riders wearing King Arthurian dresses, while the men in their robes and long hair looked elvish. Some may find the men fabio-esque, but I prefer to think legolas-ish.
So this cadre of riders and horses would trot, pose, frolick, circle each other and also do some side-stepping a la The Rockettes. I half hoped the horses would break out into the electric slide.
Cavalia had some really great visual projects on the huge curved backdrop. The orchestra and female vocalist, Mary-Pier Guilbault, were amazing. When she sang, it was like you were transported to a different era. The haunting new-age world music reminded me of Enya or Loreena McKennitt.
Last but not least, the performers were fantastic, especially the acrobats, bungee artists and aerialists. I want to soar like those aerialists! They make it look so fun.
I’d highly recommend seeing Cavalia. You’ll be wowed by the time you exit the big white top. It left me with such a greater appreciation of horses, as well as, elevating my admiration for all the incredible feats performers do in order to entertain an audience. Just spectacular.
No Comments