Big tent will house unique horse show

TAMPA - A giant white tent went up today at the Florida State Fairgrounds, but the show you’ll see under this big top is a first for the Bay Area.

Soaring at a hundred feet off the ground, and spanning more than 26,000 square feet, it’s the largest touring tent in the world, specially designed for a show like no other -- “Cavalia.”

Cavalia celebrates our centuries-old relationship with horses in a dazzling multimedia spectacle of dance, acrobatics and live music.

“I like to say we travel with a hundred artists. Sixty of them are on four legs and 40 of them are on two legs,” said founder and creator Normand Latourelle.

Latourelle is also one of the founders of Cirque Du Soleil. What Cirque did for our idea of a circus, Cavalia does for the equestrian arts.

“It’s a feel good show. A lot of people cry. They laugh...it’s just a beautiful show,” offered Latourelle.

It’s also big, with a 160-foot wide stage that’s 80 feet deep to allow the horses room to run.

“We designed the tent to fit the stage, because it’s a huge stage to allow the horse to play. When the horse comes on the stage, it’s their playground,” added Latourelle.

The David A. Straz, Jr. Center for the Performing Arts is co-presenting the show in Tampa.

Vice-president of marketing Michael Kilgor says you don’t have to love horses to enjoy Cavalia.

“At least half to 60 percent of their audiences are performing arts audiences. We thought we have a ready made audience that really needs to see this spectacle. That’s why we wanted to do it,” said Kilgore.

But for those who do love horses, Latourelle says prepared to be thrilled and enchanted.

“It’s like entering into a dream, where you just let go your emotion...and when you go out you dream for many days,” added Latourelle.

“Cavalia” performs at the Florida State Fairgrounds March 12th through the 21st.

For more information go to www.Cavalia.net.