Critically Acclaimed Theatrical Production Cavalia: A Magical Encounter Between Human and Horse

Will Gallop into Canada Olympic Park this Spring

Grand scale show features 37 artists and 49 horses from around the world in multi-media extravaganza

Cavalia: A Magical Encounter Between Human and Horse, an innovative multi-media and multi-disciplinary production created by Normand Latourelle, one of the cofounders of Canada’s famed Cirque du Soleil, will have its Calgary premiere on May 25, 2011 under the White Big Top at Canada Olympic Park.

“We are thrilled to be hosting Cavalia at Canada Olympic Park this spring,” said Dan J. O’Neill,

President and CEO of WinSport Canada, which owns and operates Canada Olympic Park. “Canada

Olympic Park is expanding its programming to offer visitors an array of cultural experiences for the

whole family, and Cavalia, which represents the best in Canadian-made, world-class theatrical

entertainment, fits in perfectly with that goal.”

“We have been looking forward to bringing Cavalia to Calgary for some time,” said Normand

Latourelle, President, CEO and Artistic Director of Cavalia. “Cavalia is a celebration of the relationship

between humans and horses, and that relationship has played a significant role in the history and

traditions of the people of Alberta and Calgary in particular. Cavalia has travelled North America and

Europe for eight years, and we are glad to have now found a home in Calgary, at Canada Olympic Park.”

“Tourism Calgary is proud to be a lead collaborator in bringing Cavalia to Calgary,” said Randy

Williams, Tourism Calgary President and CEO. “The world-class show and massive big top represent an excellent draw for tourism to Calgary enhancing our city’s reputation as a dynamic, cultured city while generating significant economic impact for the community. The equestrian nature of the show aligns perfectly with our western heritage and is an exceptional addition to the roster of major equestrian events hosted in Calgary.”

Enjoyed by more than 2.5 million people in the U.S., Europe and Canada, Cavalia is a lavish production involving 37 riders, aerialists, acrobats, dancers, and musicians, and featuring 49 magnificent horses from all over the world. A show unlike any other, Cavalia celebrates the relationship between humans and horses, virtually reinventing the equestrian arts.

In Cavalia, horses cavort with the many artists in front of a constantly changing digital background

projected onto a 200-ft (70-metre) wide screen, drawing spectators into dream-like virtual environments.

Unlike traditional horse shows in the round, Cavalia’s audience faces a single 160-ft. (50-metre) wide

stage which allows the horses space to gallop at full speed, at times running completely free unfettered by bridles or halters. Cavalia takes place under North America’s largest touring tent – a white, 26,264- sq. ft. (2,440 sq.-metre) big top rising some 100 feet (30-metres) high that gives the horses an ample playground to perform with their trainers and artists.

Delightful, thrilling and poignant, Cavalia explores humankind’s longstanding relationship with the

horse. Juxtaposed with the vibrancy of the production is a subtle thematic line that takes audiences

through the evolution of horses and our interaction with them. Audiences discover an unbridled life in

the wilderness, then early domestication, and ultimately a relationship with human beings based on

freedom and mutual respect. Cavalia’s horse training is based upon a philosophy of understanding the horse rather than making him understand the human beings around him. The tone of the show, embraced by the entire company, is one of mutual respect, kindness, patience and trust. Audiences have found Cavalia exhilarating in scope yet touching in the compassion shown by both horse and human.

Cavalia had its world premiere in Montreal in 2003.