[ Media Invite ]
Cavalia Singapore’s horses have invaded Marina Bay, you see them everywhere! Posters, pony toys, and 2014 happen to be the year of the zodiac Horse.
What comes to mind when we think of Horses?
Majestic, grace and power, especially when the horses gallop with the wind.
The beasts’ handsome manes and tails (Cavalia’s horses got braids too!)
The horses at Cavalia Singapore are all tall and muscular, except for a miniature 🙂
What comes across our mind when we think Circus?
Acrobats, daredevil stunts, swings and somersaults. Whole suite of activities to entertain families.
Combine Horses with Circus and you can imagine what the neigh hype Cavalia is all about. Think musical interaction between horses and men, except the horses are the stars at Cavalia, not the humans.
To quote from Cavalia :
“All the way from Quebec, a show unlike any other, Cavalia explores and celebrates humankind’s longstanding relationship with the horse. The show is a harmonious celebration of beauty and nature, encompassing imagery that whisks the spectator’s imagination around the earth over land and sea. Supported by state-of-the-art multimedia, Cavalia can be described as an epic adventure transporting the audience into virtual environments. The large-scale production stars 50 horses and 46 acrobats, aerialists, dancers, musicians and riders from around the world, and has been seen by more than 4 million spectators worldwide.”
Next to Marina Bay Sands, you must have noticed the huge white tent (Big Top) belonging to Cavalia Singapore. Standing at 110 feet tall and 160 feet wide, Big Top can accommodate an audience of up to 2000. The stables are stationed under another tent.
Last Tuesday was Cavalia’s premier and all tickets were sold out.
– 50 horses will be performing under this tent till 05Oct (extended from 14Sep)
– 16 of the horses are stallions, which is rare for so many of them to be housed under one roof (or horse breeder)
– 34 horses have been neutered
– We were surprised that there are no female horses at Cavalia Singapore
Click to learn more about the horses (characters, logistics and maintenance).
It is a breath-taking sight whenever the horses start galloping together in unison. We can feel the expression of free spirit, and your heart will beat slightly faster too, following the hoofs’ tempo, admiring the amazing and beautiful beasts.
Enter the human performers with their circus acts, non-stop flips and somersaults. There are gravity defying somersaults from horse backs too. You can imagine gymnasts going about their elements, the only difference is their platform is now Moving!
Cavalia Singapore performers display agility, balance, flexibility and power on a galloping horseback. They make the stunts look so easy and elegant!
** We took a moment to remind the kids that these are trained professionals (both human and horse), and kids should not try the stunts at home
Over 2 hours, we witnessed the close bond between the trainers and their horses.
A gentle whisper, and the horses proceed to execute the next choreographed sequence.
Be it galloping in synchronisation, walking sideway, or even standing on its hind leg.
Kids’ eyes were fixated on the stage, guessing whether another stallion will pop out from the left or right. Applause rings around the arena whenever horse and men (women too) executes another perfectly timed element.
(Image credit Cavalia Fanpage)
Cavalia Singapore’s 210 foot long backdrop is very impressive.
It’s projected landscapes draw the audience into a desert, forest or mountain range.
We even witnessed sunrise and Winter!
The backdrop heightens everyone’s experience. With special lighting, we are immersed into a different world. After Winter comes Spring, and the lush green meadow seems to extend from the screen onto the stage.
Cavalia left the best visual effects for the finale.
As “rain” cascade down slowly, we seem to be able to hear the echo of flowing-water riveting around the Tent.
Just imagine it is raining outside and close your eyes, it is that soothing.
We have seen media preview of horses galloping across a water body, and we eagerly watch the stage transform into a stream.
The horses seem to love their new water playground, gleefully prancing round and round the stage, as the audience soak in the spectacular display.
Video : Cavalia Singapore highlights
Tips to enjoy the show
– clear your bladder before the show starts. It is inconvenient to climb down and up the stairs when the lights are dimmed
– the show is 2.5 hours, and there is a 30min interval at the 1 hour mark
– the seats are quite cramped. Please try to be punctual, otherwise you will be inconveniencing others
– it is very tempting to photograph or film for memories’ sake, but please remind your neighbours “No Flash”
– photos – introducing the horses to Singapore
– pop by Cavalia website and Fanpage for tickets (last day 14th Sep) and promotions
– read our fellow horse-lovers’ reviews from Cheekiemonkie and PrincessDanaDiaries
Daddy would like to use a Hokkien lingo “No Horse Run!” to describe Cavalia Singapore. Translated literally, Cavalia is an epic two hours of pure adrenalin entertainment.
We would like to thanks URA and Cavalia for the kind invitation. Everyone from young to old was gleaming when they left the Big Top.
Wishing Cavalia a successful tour in Singapore.
一马当先, 马到成功!
** all images above (unless otherwise highlighted) credit to Cavalia
