Cavalia: Pas de Deux

Reader's Digest CanadaUpdated: Mar. 20, 2019

Enter the Big Top for a peek at Cavalia – a celebration of the relationship between man and horse.

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It was a perfect match. Former Cirque du Soleil producer Normand Latourelle was looking for artists for a show starring horses; husband-and-wife team Frédéric Pignon and Magali Delgado were looking for a producer to help them bring their horse-centred performances to the public.

In 2003, they took their multimedia show – which combines video, live music, acrobats, riders and horses – on the road. More than one million people in cities across North America have seen this extraordinary, unique show, and it has proven as popular in Europe, where it premiered last March in Brussels.

Enjoy our photo gallery of Cavalia‘s spectacular equestrian show, which spotlights a centuries-old friendship between man and horse.

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The Carousel is equestrian choreography with music. Dating back to the 17th century, Carousels were originally performed in the riding schools adjoining royal palaces.

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There are no “characters” in Cavalia. The performers are natural and neutral: The only stars, the horses. Here, Frédéric Pignon cavalcades with his Lusitanian, Aetes.

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A dainty woman and a powerful steed. The balance of life in harmony.

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Vaulting is a traditional equestrian sport consisting of gymnastic and acrobatic routines and figures performed on a horse’s rump.

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In the Roman Post, the rider (here, Estelle) stands on the rumps of two horses while holding the reins. Using two or more horses, the Roman Post showcases both rider and animals.

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Liberty: as the name suggests, the horse is “nude,” with neither saddle, bit nor any type of harness. The rider carries only a small stick to occasionally guide the horse’s movements.

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Magali Delgado rides an elegant Haute École (high school) dressage number on her Lusitano stallion in Cavalia – then the saddle and bridle are removed and she does it over again.

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The Delgado sisters have created a “mirror” Pas de deux, a dance in which each seems to reflect the other. Here the Lusitanians perform the Spanish walk, in which they stretch their forelegs.

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Philippe Tezenas Du Montcel, whose brother introduced him to trick riding, appears in some of the most adrenalin-charged and some of the most romantic acts in Cavalia.

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Speed, precision, adrenalin: nothing exists but the moment.

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Frédéric Pignon with his companion, Templado.

Originally Published: January 18, 2011