It is said that dogs are "man's best friend". But also vying for that honor is the horse, described as "the most beautiful animal" on earth by the director of "Cavalia". This spectacle of "equestrian ballet" and performing arts made it's debut in China to a packed 10-storey-high big top in Beijing's Chaoyang Park.
It is said that dogs are "man's best friend". But also vying for that honor is the horse, described as "the most beautiful animal" on earth by the director of "Cavalia".
Created by one of the co-founders of Canadian entertainment troupe, Cirque du Soleil, "Cavalia" marks the culmination of humanity's seven-thousand-year LOVE AFFAIR with the horse. It's like something out of a dream - except it's real. And it's all happening inside this big top, which is supposed to resemble a castle.
And rightfully so, since the performance is fit for a king. But the royalty here tonight are the 40 horses of the show called "Cavalia: A Magical Encounter Between Man and Horse". Together with 40 artists, they are taking the 2000 spectators on a dazzling journey of color and emotion.
The story is a simple one: the relationship that humans have developed with horses over time.
Founded by Montreal Canadian Normand Latourelle - one of the co-founders of Cirque du Soleil, the multimedia production combines acrobatics, aerial stunts, dancing, live music, and special effects.
Latourelle talks about his inspiration behind 'Cavalia'.
"Twenty years ago, I created a show that required just one horse as an extra. And I just realized every time the horse was coming on stage it was stealing focus from the performers. At that time I had 120 performers on stage, and if you look at the audience, they're looking at the horse not doing a lot, instead of all the artists doing choreography. So that attracted my attention, I didn't know a lot about horses, and then I started to search and I find out that first, they are the most beautiful animal on earth. Secondly, they are very playful, they like to play so if you give them enough space and treat them well they gonna play a lot," Latourelle said.
And when Latourelle expresses his love for the horse, he is drawing on a long history.
It is said that dogs are "man's best friend". But also vying for that honor is the horse, described as "the most beautiful animal" on earth by the director of "Cavalia".
"The relationship between human and horses, it's 7000 years old, which is very inspiring, so that all together I have decided to do the fantastic marriage, I would say, between performing arts and equestrian arts," Latourelle said.
On land and water, through space and time, the audience is transported to various virtual environments that are projected onto a constantly changing 60-meter wide screen.
Behind that screen, perched 4-meters high, the live orchestra follow the lead of the horses, rather than the other way round.
"Actually very interesting. One day, we placed the sound system in the barn, in the stables, and when we put the Cavalia music, all the horses came to the door and say 'it's my cue'. So they understand, and they do understand the beat, ah, and they kind of enjoy, I think, the music once they get used to it," Latourelle said.
The first production of 'Cavalia' was in 2003. Since then, more than 4 millions viewers worldwide have witnessed its magic.
When international shows like this one come to China, they usually leave after they are done touring the country. But lucky for us, 'Cavalia' is here to stay. That's because Latourelle has signed a deal with Chinese investment company SinoCap - giving them Cavalia's copyright in China.
The stage is the same width as a pro soccer field, and the big top - one of the largest touring tents in the world - is the height of a 10-storey building. This gives the horses and performers a giant indoor playground where they can express themselves freely and safely.
It even allows for snow! And, for the finale, the stage transforms into a giant lake!
So, will 'Cavalia' do well in China? Based on this opening night and audience enthusiasm, the answer is most certainly yes!
