Cavalia in Brussels

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The equestrian extravaganza Cavalia is galloping back to Brussels to celebrate its 10th anniversary.

The show, in which horses cavort with artists in front of a constantly changing digital background projected onto a 60 metre-wide screen, premieres in Brussels on 13 May.

Located under the Big Top at Brussels Expo, the revamped show features more artists, horses, projections, acts and costumes than ever before.

A “show unlike any other”, the innovative Cavalia celebrates the relationship between humans and horses, virtually reinventing the equestrian arts.

Over the past decade, it has been enjoyed by more than four million spectators across the world. It is a lavish production involving 50 magnificent horses and featuring 47 riders, aerialists, acrobats, dancers and musicians from all over the world.

Normand Latourelle, president and artistic director of the Montreal-based Cavalia, said the show’s horse training is based upon a philosophy of understanding horses, rather than making horses understand the humans around them.

He said: “Seven years have passed since Cavalia came to Brussels and we have been eager to return. Since our last visits in 2007, the show has travelled across North America, Europe, Australia and the Middle East and is continually evolving to highlight the strengths and personalities of new artists and horses.”

Latourelle, one of the co-founders of famed Cirque du Soleil, added, “We are thrilled to be back.”

Unlike traditional horse shows, Cavalia’s audience faces a single 50 metre-wide stage which allows the horses space to gallop at full speed, at times running completely free, unfettered by bridles or halters.

It all takes place under a white, 2,440-square-metre big top, rising some 35 metres high that gives the horses an ample playground to perform with their trainers and artists. The big top is believed to be the largest touring tent in the world.

Tickets for the show, which runs until 25 May, are priced from €40.00 to €135.00. For those after something extra special there is a “horse lovers’ package” that lets patrons tour Cavalia’s stables after the show. Special pricing is also available for children (2-12), juniors (13-17), senior citizens (65+) and for groups.

Tickets are available by calling 070/25.20.20 (max 0.30€/min) or online at www.cavalia.be.