Whether or not a horse aficionado, Cavalia is a grand display of the unique bond between human and horse that anyone can appreciate. Without a set narrative, Cavalia acts as a tribute and a superior honour to the horse. There are many breeds featured (as discovered in the opening pop quiz before the show commenced) and diverse age-ranges from 20 years old to one cute 9 month old. As well as the exceptional non-human talent, the human performers ranged from acrobats, a gorgeous singer, a band, skilled equestrian dancers and aerial artists.
The performance started off slow, with some numbers just showcasing the simple elegance of these horses. Other sections concentrated on the talents of the human performers which was truly outstanding (keeping in mind this idea was conceived by Normand Latourelle, one of the co-founders of Cirque Du Soleil). Some numbers were quite sombre, others exhilarating and some quite comical. Yet all demonstrate the love and joy felt in spending time with this noble creature.
With lighting and imagery projected onto the stage curtains, walls, floor and a dazzling water feature, it is clear that the creators of Cavalia believe the horse is one of the greatest gifts of this earth. Travelling through alternate landscapes, seasons and periods of time, the horse remains a constant; something of incredible value and splendour. Throughout the performance, the show evoked many emotions, all coming back to the fact that the real stars of the spectacle are the horses.
To cater for something of this magnitude, the stage clearly needed breadth but the vastness of the stage is still breathtaking, akin to a very high-end Vegas show. The Big (white) Top, where everything is contained, is remarkable in itself. In addition to this performance tent there is also a Rendez-vous tent catered specifically to VIP guests and those who will pay extra for the royal treatment. It is quite beautifully set-up and we were even more delighted by the heating supplied, which is desperately needed during these colder months.
Cavalia edged upon flawlessness yet, at some points the performers slipped up (but these were very few and far between), failing to execute some moves that look impossible to begin with. Regardless, they were received by a warm, supportive round of applause and, at the end of the epic concluding number, were awarded with a standing ovation from some 2000 attendees, thoroughly entertained by the display of strength and brilliance.
Cavalia
Venue: Under the White Big Top, Entertainment Quarter, Moore Park NSW
Dates: from May 15, 2013
Tickets: Adults $64 – $164 (Children, junior, senior and VIP tickets available)
Bookings: 1800 765 955
Visit: www.cavalia.com.au
Sydney Reviews
Cavalia
- Details
- Penny Spirou
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