CALVALIA to Premiere at Canada Olympic Park, 5/25 - 6/5

Cavalia: A Magical Encounter Between Human and Horse, an innovative multi-media and multi-disciplinary production created by Normand Latourelle, one of the co-founders 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.

Since its world premiere in Montreal in 2003, Cavalia has enthralled audiences across North America and Europe, and is soon to arrive in Calgary after much critical acclaim. The Globe and Mail raves "Cavalia is truly the stuff of dreams" while The National Post states it is "sensationally jaw-dropping. Cavalia is magic in motion!" The New York Times remarks that the theme of Cavalia is "Celebrating horses, humans and their bond." and O Magazine exclaims that the show is "breathtaking!" CNN's Larry King raves, "The greatest show I have ever seen! Spectacular. Beautiful. Like being in a dream. I loved it!" The Washington Post exclaims, "Impressive, highly refined, indeed a wonder!" The San Francisco Chronicle raves, "Cavalia takes horse play to a new level, even for non-horsey folk."

The New York Post remarks, "A dreamlike spectacle exploring the relationship between man and horse. It's a rare show that evokes a sense of wonder." Las Vegas Magazine proclaims, "The stunning multimedia backdrop baffles the eyes, the athleticism and acrobatics stun the senses, and the horses touch the soul."

ABOUT CAVALIA
Headquartered in Montreal, Quebec, Cavalia is the brainchild of Normand Latourelle who has become renowned for his innovative approach to show production. Cavalia has travelled extensively in North America and Europe. The show has visited 38 cities across North America, including Toronto (twice), Montreal (6 times), Quebec City, New York, Los Angeles (4 times), San Francisco (3 times), Las Vegas, Miami and Chicago, and multiple European countries including Spain, Portugal, Belgium, Germany and the Netherlands. Follow Cavalia's latest developments at www.twitter.com/cavalia or www.facebook.com/cavalia.

TICKETS - For its exclusive run in Calgary, Cavalia will be presented under its White Big Top at Canada Olympic Park. Tickets are on sale now and are priced from $59.50 to $104.50 + applicable fees. For guests desiring an extraordinary outing, the show can be customized for an extended experience from $139.50 - $199.50, including a Horse Lovers Package that lets patrons tour Cavalia's stables after the show, and the VIP Rendez-Vous Package that includes a tour of the stables post-show, a cocktail/dinner reception and much more. Special pricing is also available for children (2-12), juniors (13-17), and senior citizens (65+). For tickets, please visit www.cavalia.net or call 1.866.999.8111.

SHOWTIMES - The show opens May 25 and performances run through to June 5. For a detailed list of show dates and reservations, call 1.866.999.8111 or visit www.cavalia.net

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