From The Straits Times    |
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UPDATED ON 18/9/2014
The Cavalia run in Singapore has now been extended; shows will continue to run from now ’til October 5, 2014, before the troupe moves on next to Seoul. 

“The reception we’ve received so far in Singaporehas been overwhelmingly enthusiastic,” says Normand Latourelle, the founder and artistic director of Cavalia.

“Not only has the show been embraced by horse lovers, but also by those who enjoy innovative arts, and we see a lot of families – children, parents and grandparents – coming to enjoy this unique and rare spectacle.This first stop of our inaugural Asian tour has been a tremendous success so far, and we couldn’t be happier.”

Cavalia galloping horses.jpgThe galloping stars of equestrian circus Cavalia Singapore. Image: Cavalia

If you haven’t yet seen this equestrian circus, there are more than a few reasons why you definitely should catch it soon. The 50 horses will be galloping with their riders from now ‘til September 14, 2014, at the Cavalia shows in Singapore. Held in a huge 35-metre tall tent at Bayfront Avenue, this multimedia performance will take your breath away with scenes of galloping, unreined horses, coupled with the many acrobatic feats and trick riding stunts.

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Some of the many stunts performed by the trick riders. Image: ST/ Desmond Foo

These live performances are also electrifyingly atmospheric: They’re set against amazing backdrops that switch from desert scenes to star-spangled skies and paired with music played by a live orchestra. From a quiet moment where a trainer is circled by trotting horses to the raw energy of horses galloping across the stage, practically every moment is oh-so-photographable.

Pictures do more justice than words in this instance. While it’s being pitched as a “Cirque du Soleil with horses”, there is so much more that these starring horses give to this theatrical spectacle. We’ll share the ways they impress with so much fitnesse:

Cavalia Snowy scene.jpgA snowy scene during the Cavalia performance. Image: Cavalia

1. They help create incredible scenes like these
There is absolute trust between the horses and their riders, for them to perform such majestic stunts, even while bareback riding. This teaser clip here, shows just the least of it!

2. They work with a Disney princess (sort of)
Or at least, an almost fearless trick rider that inspired the red-haired Scottish princess of Disney’s Brave (2012). There’s a good reason why there’s that striking resemblance between Fairland Ferguson and the wild-haired Merida; she was indeed the muse of that movie. The story goes that when the Pixar folks saw her at Cavalia a few years ago, they were so bowled over by her performance that they’d modelled the princess after her.

You’ll see her grinning in glee as she charges across and around the 50 metres-wide stage seemingly fearlessly with six horses Roman-style (sans the chariot), while standing on the backs of two horses.

3. Their spontaneity and raw energy
Face it, these horses are that majestic: Just the sight of them galloping across the stage, totally unfettered, in the opening scenes will easily take your breath away.

cavalia water.jpgPart of the finale scene performed during the Cavalia Singapore preview. Image: ST/ Desmond Foo

To up the stakes, the finale scene recreates a mini pool on the sandy stage, within minutes. While that alone sounds like an incredible feat, just wait ‘til you see the horses running freely with and without their riders while running through the mini “lake”.

cavalia horse whisperer.jpgThat horse whisperer moment during Cavalia. Image: Cavalia

Being animals of course, there are brief moments when they may just stray from the script; a horse’s attention may wander, before its trainer (an almost “horse whisperer”) beckons with a wave or a whistle.

4. Even the tiniest horse can be a scene-stealer
Cue the squeals, when this miniature horse named Troubadour appears for barely 20 seconds on stage. Fans will get to meet the horses up-close after the show too, by opting for the “Horse Lover” ($208 each) tickets.

5. The horses have better hair than yours
You know it’s (sadly) true, for most of us at least. The well-cared for horses boast silky smooth manes that plait better and are just so shampoo ad-worthy. That wind-swept hair moment also looks way better on the horses than it would for us too.

Cavalia: A Magical Encounter Between Man and Horse
Where: White Theatre Tent at Bayfront Avenue, just next to The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands
Date and Time: From now ’til October 5, 2014. Performances are held on 7.30pm from Tuesdays to Fridays; 2pm and 7.30pm on Saturdays; 12pm and 5.30pm on Sundays. There will be no performances on August 19 and 26, 2014.
Prices: From $58 to $308. Visit www.cavalia.sg or www.sistic.com.sg for more information.

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