Equine show exploring an ancient bond

By Anita Shelburne
|      978-7269
The connection between horse and rider has been likened to dancing; the feeling of freedom on horseback has been compared to flying.
So what could be more natural than an entertainment extravaganza that combines all this, and more?
The spectacle of Cavalia, now playing at Pentagon City in Arlington, has been repeatedly described as a Cirque du Soleil for horse lovers. Cliche or no, that still remains the most apt description.
And why not? Artistic director Normand Latourelle of Montreal was one of the pioneers of Cirque du Soleil.
He has now turned his genius toward the world of the horse and the often mystical connection that horses and humans have had across history.
Audiences will recognize the Cirque du Soleil elements: Lush costuming. Lustrous special effects. Live music with evocative vocals. Tumblers, aerialists and dancers. Thrills and comedy and romance. Fire and water, air and earth.
Most of the acts are built around the animals themselves, with deft references to the long-standing partnership between humans and horses. The set backdrop might evoke the cave paintings of Lascaux, France, or the terra cotta cavalrymen of Chinese Emperor Qin Shi Huang.
Against a background suggesting a Renaissance palace, a man and woman riding beautiful Andalusians perform a classical dressage pas de deux that manages to be simultaneously disciplined and restrained, yet passionate and yearning. In another routine, female aerialists fly toward human lovers on horseback. They touch and hold, then fly apart again, beautifully but achingly separated.
One of the most interesting performances was an adaptation of the traditional circus liberty horse routine. One horse after another comes on stage in what one realizes is the slow building of a herd. These horses are truly at liberty; their trainer is nowhere to be seen. They engage in natural herd activity — rolling in the sand, grooming and scratching each other, play fighting — until the trainer finally enters the scene and almost imperceptibly weaves them into a silky, sinuous performing troupe.
Other stellar acts include trick riders at a blinding gallop performing stunts reminiscent of the horsemanship of the Cossacks, American Indians and cowboys, and a truly amazing Roman riding routine involving a pelting chase around tight turns that reminds one of the “Ben Hur” chariot race.
Some 35 musicians and performers, about three times as many support staff and more than 60 horses are ultimately involved in the production. The show features a wide variety of breeds, from the Andalusian, Arabian and Lusitano, to the American quarterhorse, paint and Appaloosa, to the French Comtois (a draft breed used in a vaulting performance). Like the horses, human performers come from all over the world.

AT A GLANCE
The show’s Washington run has just been extended due to demand. Dates are 8 p.m. Friday; 3 and 8 p.m. Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday;  and 8 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday and Oct. 2.
Tickets: $45.50 to $98.50, plus handling; discounts for children and seniors.
Location: Intersection of South Fern Street and Army and Navy Drive.
Web site: http://www.cavalia.net.