Cavalia | 5/5

SINGAPORE — For someone who’s more of a dog person, I now want to get a pet horse after seeing this show — neigh, I want a four-legged, majestic partner in life. (I’m allowed one equine joke, right?)

That’s exactly the type of relationship Cavalia’s performers have with their animal counterparts, for there are no words to describe the almost telepathic nature of their communication on stage.

Performing under the White Theatre Tent next to Marina Bay Sands, the audience was treated to a night of awe-inspiring and, at times, death-defying performances. Opening with a prologue sequence featuring live vocals and music, accompanied by a duet of acrobats, the tone for the night was set: A mystical adventure into lands unknown, with beautiful, visual projections on the 60m-wide screen, which further lent itself to the dream-like atmosphere in the tent.

While it’s impossible to pick a favourite act from the two-hour show, the most exciting one would have to be the trick riding sequence. Involving riders performing stunts on top of horses galloping at full-speed, it had the audience at the edge of their seats. The children behind me were especially entranced, clutching the back of my seat and occasionally hitting my head as they cheered on the horses. I may or may not have done the same to the person seated in front of me.

For the adults, the Bungee Cavalier sequence garnered the most open jaws, as the aerialists effortlessly glided around the horses. It was quite the spectacle, watching them “fly” gracefully in the air while lovingly interacting with the horses. It is one thing to be performing tricks in the air by yourself but quite another to integrate dance and communication with an equine performer while swinging upside down.

While the show is really about paying homage to the majesty of the horses, the human performers stole the show for me. Not only do the acrobats and aerialists have to be mindful of the horses they are performing with, but the riders, in particular, also have to trust their equine partners as they literally let go and let the horses take the reins while performing their stunts.

Despite a few unavoidable hiccups — one of the horses relieved himself in the middle of an aerial performance while another wasn’t in the mood to follow the rest of the horses during a group sequence — Cavalia puts on the best mix of equestrian and performing arts.

Presented by MediaCorp VizPro International and BASE Entertainment, it’s one of those experiences that bring together young and old, those well-versed in equestrian arts and those of us who have never seen the animals up close, on an other-worldly journey. TINA VILLAREAL

Cavalia runs until Sept 14, 7.30pm, under The White Theatre Tent next to Marina Bay Sands. With noontime, 2pm and 5.30pm shows on weekends. Tickets are from S$58 at SISTIC.