Cavalia is all about showcasing the beauty and power of the horse.
But the multimedia production opening Wednesday in Burbank is not just another horse show, says Founder and Artistic Director Normand Latourelle, who also helped build the famed Cirque du Soleil and other national and international performance events.
The horses run and play across the 200-square-foot dirt "stage" under the white Big Top. Some will have riders, others will simply be allowed to run free and do what comes naturally — all to original music performed by a sextet.
"The stage is their playground," Latourelle said.
About 45 horses are cast in the show, representing some 13 breeds.
"The show is not just for horse people," Latourelle said. "We do different types of riding with acrobatics, special effects and beautiful lighting."
Images are projected on the tent's massive wall behind the horses and subtly take viewers through time and the developing relationship between humankind and horse, he added.