Imagine 70 horses from all over the world arriving in high class style in the center of downtown Miami in Bicentannial Park. This International elite group consists of horses from Canada, France, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain and the United States. Housing for the horses includes 17,400 feet of tented stables adjacent to the production’s white big top where the show will premiere on February 29. Horses came off air ride horse trailers from a four-week vacation in Ocala, Florida. Some horses had braided manes and colored shipping boots.
Odysseo is is Cavalia’s second show. I attended the Cavalia show last year and absolutely fell in love, so with the improvements and expansion this year it’s only going to be even more magical. One scene consists of a full-sized merry-go-round with six white horses descending from the big top’s ceiling. Just like a real carousel, wooden horses prance up and down as it begins to turn, while a dozen acrobats pivot on its posts. A behind the scenes look at the carousel scene being set up:
Horses of 11 breeds are represented in Odysseo (Appaloosa, Arabian, Ardennais, Belgian, Canadaian, Lusitano, Oldenburg, Paint Horse, Percheron, Quarter Horse, Spanish Purebred, and Warmblood). All horses have beautiful plush stalls to rest in between showtimes.
Cavalia’s costumes are incredible. Equestrian Stylist got a behind-the-scenes look at the Odysseo’s wardrobe totaling near 300 costumes. Georges Levesque (1951-2011) and Michele Hamel are the two designers behind the masterpieces. A team of 20 artisans: 4 cutters, 12 dressmakers, 1 property master, 1 designer, and 1 shoe maker worked in the Cavalia studios to create these costumes. Materials used in the costumes include linen, silk, cotton, leather and some faux fur. Ornamented with gold sequins, turquoise stones, and metallic ribbons make them shine on stage. Some artists wear as many as seven different costumes in the show! These costumes are designed specifically for both horse and rider. A special costume feature on Cavalia’s Odysseo show will be coming soon.
Flags from all countries that are represented in Cavalia’s team are hung up behind the scenes:
The video above is a behind the scenes look at Cavalia Odysseo’s set up.
Cavalia is sure a show not to miss in Miami, Florida. Shows start February 29, 2012 and run through March 25, 2012. Check out Cavalia.net for more information.
To see more on Equestrian Stylist and the costume feature on Cavalia, please see: From Costumes to Carousels Cavalia’s Odysseo is Spectacuar
Nice shirt!
Thanks Valentina! It’s from Ralph Lauren.