Cavalia is a fabricated word devised by combining the Spanish term for horse, caballo, with the French cheval and the English word cavalry.
The show debuted in 2003 and since then over four million people have seen it – but this will be Cavalia’s first performance in the Middle East.
The equestrian ballet features 50 horses and 50 riders, aerialists, acrobats, dancers and musicians who will perform in a 2,440sqm big top tent that rises 35m high – the height of a 10-storey building. The 50m stage will allow the horses space to gallop at full speed, at times without bridles or halters.
Fairland Ferguson, a stunt rider from the US, tells us what to expect. ‘The production has been especially adapted to reflect UAE culture, so you will see pearl diving acts and costumes inspired by traditional dress,’ she says. ‘But the basic storyline remains the same. The show explores the relationship between humans and horses by loosely recounting the evolution of this bond.’
Each act will be enhanced by special effects and digital images projected on to a 60m screen. Stunt rider Yoann Levesque explains how the acts differ. ‘The opening act, Historical Caravan, will introduce the horses as we tell the story of how the Emirate’s early settlers arrived in the city,’ he explains. ‘In Roman Riding, a stunt rider will stand on two horses as they race around the stage. Freedom from the Desert is a dressage act in water, while An Encounter with Horses is a livery act which will see the equestrian director, Benjamin Aillaud, direct six unbridled Arabian horses around the stage simultaneously.
‘During Grande Chevauchée and Liberty, a trainer will direct the horses from the ground using voice commands, body language and gentle strokes, encouraging the horses to stand on their hind legs, walk backwards or twirl around. Fantasia is the most popular, most memorable act, as it involves a number of tricks at high speed – so you might get to see artists jumping on to horses, riding a horse one-legged or doing the death drag, where they lean off a horse as it gallops. The final act is Splash, where all the performers appear on stage at the same time.’
The show will star horses from France, Spain, Portugal, the Netherlands, Canada, the United States and Australia. The 11 equestrian breeds include a Miniature called Troubadour. At eight hands tall – about 3ft – he’s the smallest horse in the show, and he just happens to be buddies with the show’s tallest. Merlin, a Percheron, is 18 hands tall – look out for him in Fantasia; he’s the one with hair that’s grey with white spots.
Cavalia at Qasr Al Hosn will be performed 4pm and 8pm February 22 to March 1. Tickets start from Dhs150 for kids, Dhs250 for adults. Buy them from www.ticketmaster.ae, selected Virgin Megastores or by calling 800 86 823. For more details, visit www.cavalia.net.
