Cavalia in Singapore: Not Just Horsepower

Media Invite

For the past few weeks, you have read about it - one White Theatre Tent mushrooming beside Marina Bay Sands, as well as the arrival of 50 magnificent horses and 36 riders, aerialists, acrobats, dancers and musicians. And yesterday, all of these culminated in Cavalia's first-ever premiere show in Singapore (and Asia).

A stirring exhibition of equestrian and acrobatic arts, Cavalia is the brainchild of Normand Latourelle, one of the co-founders of famed Cirque du Soleil. Like Cirque, Cavalia invites the audience into a wonderous world, complete with its sprawling 50-metre stage backed by a 60-metre screen - and holds everyone there for over two hours (with a 20-minute intermission sandwiched in between).

Of course, the real draws of Cavalia are the horses. And my word, they are such majestic animals. Because quite frankly, there is no effective way to describe the sight of the equine performers as they trot, canter, and gallop around the sandy-floored stage.

Plot-wise, there is not much of a storyline to begin with. The different acts are linked through mankind's deep connection with horses, with references to varied cultures like European, Asian and those of the Americas.

I do not want to give away the show too much because I believe this is one show that should be enjoyed as a first time experience. But what you can expect are acrobatics and aerials galore, exceptional horse-riding with the riders balancing on or jumping around them and, quite often saddle-less and completely free.

It is really hard to pinpoint my fave segment in Cavalia, but the trick riding one comes pretty close.

The exciting, comical and dangerous escapades of trick riding had everyone of us in awe, as the riders galloped across the stage in such a seemingly effortless but yet risky manner.

All of them were just so agile that they made it seem like a catwalk.

But all applause paled in comparison when Troubadour the miniature horse made his grand entrance.

It may just be a fleeting 5-second cameo, but Troubadour certainly stole hearts of many in the audience especially Ale who squealed, "So CUTE leh!"

Keep your eyes peeled too, for the moment when part of the performing stage is flooded with water. And with such beauties galloping through the water, no words are really necessary.

The horses, with manes flowing and coats gleaming, and the humans, with jaw-dropping acrobatics and stunts - they all made it look so easy! And together with the superb changing backdrop and live band, I enjoyed them all. 

But what I really enjoyed the most was the reaction of my monkies... and that the reaction of some of the horses can really be cheeky too.

Ash's eyes were transfixed onto the stage, never leaving it for even a single second. He let out a 'Wow' and clapped his hands in delight whenever some of the stunts blew him away. Ayd was much subdued - probably because he was feeling tired - but he was kept equally spell-bound as well. As for Ale, I had initially feared that the dim lighting and loud music may intimidate her. But it turned out that she thoroughly enjoyed the show, not so much for the acrobatics portions but the sight of horses galloping round the stage. And the occasional exclamation of "Pa, the horse's hair is so long and pretty... just like mine!"

 “Breathtaking” is often an overused word but in Cavalia, it is inexplicably beautiful and intoxicating with a sense of feeling of humans treating horses with love and respect. And the animals reciprocating too.

Whether you are a horse lover, a non-horse lover, or a parent, this is one show that you cannot afford to miss. Cavalia is truly a show like no other. That's how spectacular it is.

Useful Information

Cavalia: A Magical Encounter Between Man and Horse

Venue: Under the White Theatre Tent, at Bayfront Avenue beside Marina Bay Sands

Dates: 12 Aug - 5 Oct 2014

Times: Tue - Fri: 7.30pm | Sat: 2pm & 7.30pm | Sun: 12pm & 5.30pm

*No performances on 13,19 and 26 August 2014

Duration: 2.5 hours (including 20 minutes intermission)

Tickets: $58, $88, $98, $148, $188, $208, $248 & $288 (excluding booking fees)

*To buy tickets, visit www.sistic.com.sg/events/cavalia0914

Discounts: 

- 10% discount for Standard Chartered Cardholders [Valid from 25 July onwards] 

- S$141 (Cat 5), S$111 (Cat 6), S$73.50 (Cat 7) for Family Pack - Buy 3 Get 1 Free! 

[Valid from 4 Jul 2014 till 31 Jul 2014]  Applicable for Cat 5 - 7 only and for Tue - Thu & Sun Matinee only

Website: www.cavalia.sg

UPDATE: To give you an idea of how the view looks like from the furthest back of the spectator stand, this is the view from seat category 7 ($98).

GIVEAWAY! (CLOSED)

Thanks to Cavalia, I have a pair of tickets to give away to one lucky reader! The tickets are for the $148 category, and are strictly for the October 3 2014, 7.30pm show. That day is Children's Day, by the way.

To take part, simply answer the following question:

What is the date of Cavalia's final performance in Singapore?

Leave your answer in the comments section in this blog post or in the corresponding Facebook post HERE.

This giveaway is open to all residents in Singapore and the winner must collect the tickets personally. Giveaway ends on 25 September 2014, 2359 hours. Good luck!


RESULTS! Thanks to one and all for participating! The response has been overwhelming but sadly, I can only pick one winner.

Congratulations to CHERYL NG for winning the pair of Cavalia tickets to the 3 October 2014, 7.30pm show! Please email me at kelvin(at)cheekiemonkie.net before the end of 29 September 2014. Failing which, I will pick another winner. Thanks!