Horsing around
Young Chang
When Gilles Ste-Croix looks into the eyes of a horse, he says he sees
the history of man.
Good, evil, war, peace, the importance of a decision made 3,000 years
ago when man chose to ride a horse instead of eat it.
They’re emotional animals with sharp memories and distinct
personalities, said the former director of creation for Cirque du Soleil.
And because they carry a beauty and grace and sense of humanity,
Ste-Croix has paired people with horses to showcase equestrian artistry.
“Cheval -- Imagination at Full Gallop,” which will open at the Orange
County Fairgrounds for three weeks starting Wednesday, stars more than 30
horses and 30 people. Acrobats, actors, musicians, dancers, trainers and
17 breeds of horses will perform a theatrical show in a 46-foot center
ring, under a tent designed like a fairy-tale castle from the Loire
Valley in France.
The international cast for “Cheval” includes equestrian choreographers
Bernard Quental, known for his work with “Zingaro,’ and Igor Kassaev,
heralded for his performance in “Riders of the Night.”
Moves involve acrobats standing on running horses, jumping from them,
doing gymnastics and turning other tricks on the moving animal.
Breeds include Belgian Percherons, Haflingers, Canadian horses and
Spanish horses whose look has been emulated by artists and sculptures
throughout time.
“In the show, I tried to enhance the human relationship with these
animals,” said Ste-Croix, the creator. “They’ve been a strong companion
of man for more than 3,000 years. They’re a big support for what we’ve
become as a civilization.”
Caroline Mace, an acrobat in the show who is part of a drill/vaulting
number, says working in “Cheval” is about more than just performing on
top of a horse.
“We use the horse’s movement to propel our own movement,” she said.
“It’s not like a bicycle. The horse might change a movement or he might
decide to take a look at the man wearing a bright yellow shirt. You
always have to concentrate on the moment.”
Ste-Croix said that a general interest in horses is coming back.
Though people don’t depend on them for transportation or manual labor
anymore, audiences like seeing them up close and getting to know their
talents.
“I think people like to see a preoccupation with natural things to
feel nature so close in this environment,” he said.
The Montreal resident grew up with horses on his family’s farm. He
rode them, drove carts that were led by them and grew to respect their
stylish grace.
Ste-Croix wants his audience to have the same close-up experience.
“When people come in, they’ll go through the stable. They’ll go
through the stable and see up close, get to ask questions to the
groomers,” he said. “It’s like walking through the backstage of a theater
and seeing the artists prepare.”
FYI
* What: “Cheval -- Imagination at Full Gallop”
* When: Wednesday through April 7. Show times are 8 p.m. Tuesday
through Friday, 4 and 8 p.m. Saturday and 1:30 and 5 p.m. Sunday.
* Where: Orange County Fairgrounds, 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa
* Cost: $49 or $30
* Call: (877) 528-0777
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