Cavalia will amaze audiences with an impressive display of stunning acrobatics and visual imagery.
Photo courtesy of Cavalia Press Room.

What do Justin Timberlake, Meryl Streep, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, and Dr. Dre have in common? They have all attended performances of Cavalia: A Magical Encounter Between Human and Horse since its debut in 2003! You’ll be in good company if you take advantage of the opportunity to view this “sensationally jaw-dropping” (The National Post) show that rides into Edmonton for a five-week run beginning September 11, 2012.

WHERE Edmonton attended the exclusive media preview of the show and we were absolutely amazed by the dazzling performance. This is a show that defies all expectations and description and is one that must be seen and experienced; we highly recommend going to see this intricate and evocative display of acrobatics, art, and equestrian skills. 

Cavalia is a show designed, founded, and directed by Cirque du Soleil co-founder Normand Latourelle. Those who are familiar with the elaborate sets, costumes, music, and astonishing acrobatics that have made the Cirque du Soleil shows popular will delight in the way that Cavalia combines these same features with equestrian marvels and majestic horses. However, to say that Cavalia is “Cirque du Soleil with horses” would be an understatement; this innovative show conveys a narrative that effectively explores the evolution of the relationship between humans and horses, in turn revealing themes of mutual respect, kindness, patience, and outlook. The show is a humbling experience as much as an exhilarating, exciting one; audiences will be captivated by the combination of aesthetics, music, talent, technology, and storytelling that comprise Cavalia.

The nine tents that comprise the White Big Top are themselves an astonishing marvel, and the performance takes places against an impressive 210-foot wide screen on a 160-foot wide, football field-length stage. Inside the tents, 34 artists, 5 musicians, 48 horses, and 150 crew members come together to create this elaborate performance. The artists hail from ten different countries and perform stunts like trick riding, lasso, Russian bar, dressage, banquine, Roman riding, and voltige with the horses. Eleven different breeds of horses are used throughout the performance and have been trained “upon a philosophy of understand horses, rather than making horses understand the humans around them” (Cavalia Media Release). This training translates into a sleek interaction between the artists and the horses, who together are able to seamlessly unfold Cavalia‘s story with their elegance and skill.

Cavalia’s iconic White Big Top is making its home in Edmonton for the next five weeks to host the performance.
Photo courtesy of Cavalia Press Room.

For an enjoyable experience under the White Big Top, WHERE recommends dressing in layers and coming prepared for some cooler temperatures inside the venue. Ladies, consider wearing pants, or tights under skirts and dresses, and work a shrug or sweater into your outfit; leave the sleeveless ball gowns at home this time!

Cavalia opens in Edmonton today at Edmonton’s City Centre Airport (off 107 St. & 123 Ave.) There has been such an overwhelming demand for tickets that the show has already been extended four times and now runs until October 28. Shows begin at 8 pm nightly, with matinee performances on Saturday and Sunday. Ticket prices range from $49.50 – $124.50 for adults (discounts available for children, youth, and seniors) and can be purchased on Cavalia‘s website or by calling 1-866-999-8111.

If you don’t live in Edmonton but want to take advantage of the opportunity to see this performance, book a hotel package that includes a discount on adult-priced Cavalia tickets.

Live in Edmonton? Visiting Edmonton? For more event information and updates of things to do around the city, follow @whereedmonton on Twitter. – Breanna Mroczek