“Mesmerising”, “enthralling” and “enchanting” could all be used to describe Cavalia, but the experience is best summed up by the oohs and ahhs that sweep across the audience with each new act. Created in 2003 by Normand Latourelle, who also co-founded Cirque du Soleil, Cavalia encompasses equestrian arts, acrobatics, aerial stunts, dance and music in celebration of the unique kinship that exists between humans and horses.
From the moment you walk into its village of tents, Cavalia draws you into its world. It’s dreamlike, and it appeals to a sense of youthful wonder that surfaces all too rarely. The show takes place in a sandy performing area spanning the whole length of the seating block and at its rear is a curved screen which transports you to a series of magical locations – a desert, a mountaintop and a lush jungle. It’s an immersive set-up.
If there’s a circus act you particularly enjoy, you’ll probably see it here – acrobats building a 13-man human pyramid, aerialists defying death with their grip on a single strap, trampoliners flying through the air and a performer dancing in and out of her lasso. The exuberance of the cast members only heightens the audience’s reactions. The stars of Cavalia are undoubtedly its 50 horses who work alongside their human counterparts in breathtaking riding stunts and jumps. On their own, or with just one trainer present, their choreography and discipline is remarkable. The size of the performing area also allows the horses to gallop at full tilt. If you haven’t seen a herd of them running free, it is a sight to behold. Without giving too much away, keep a lookout for the stable’s one miniature horse.
Providing the soundtrack to Cavalia is a live band, occasionally seen through panels in the screen. The dramatic score transitions seamlessly to suit the show’s different settings with elements of Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, African and American Old West music.
Whether or not you have an inclination towards horses and no matter how many circus shows you’ve seen, Cavalia is a singular production that’s worth every dollar.
Cavalia is on from now until Sep. 14 in the Big Top beside Marina Bay Sands. Standard tickets are available through Sistic from $58 while “Horse Lover” and VIP packages which include a stable tour start at $208. Visit the Cavalia website for more information.
