By Kelly Hodgson
Last night I attended the VIP Social Media Night for the Odysseo Toronto show running Under the White Big Top located at the Port Lands in Toronto. I'll admit that while I knew the show would be impressive, I had no idea how mystical and spectacular it would be. The show runs until May 24 and has matinee and evening show times. If you're wondering whether the show is appropriate for children, I would say that kids 4 and up would really enjoy it. Head to the Cavalia Odysseo website now to buy your tickets and use the promo code 'SMNTO' to save 15%!
Here are my four favourite things from the show:
1. The Trick Riding.
I don't know where these riders come from or how long it takes them to learn these tricks but they are one talented bunch. Horse jumping without holding on, jumping off and back on the horse while its running, going under the belly of the horse and back up the other side to return to the saddle while the horse is galloping…I could go on. It was phenomenal to watch.
2. The Set.
You don't need to bring an umbrella, but it does rain. Inside the show. Its a sprinkler system but its pretty awesome. The end of the show also has a pond/river on the stage (the front few rows may have been advised they were in a potential splash zone)! There is an underground drain system the floods 300,000 litres of water onto the stage for the finale.
The high definition backdrop of the show is the size of three IMAX screens. From rolling hills to desert to snow falling – this may have been the only time where I really appreciated what high definition viewing can be like!
3. The Creativity.
This show will certainly take you out of the everyday. While we have access to pretty much anything via the internet – videos, pictures, etc – seeing this calibre of talent, the visual special effects and the number of horses (70!) working together in a LIVE show reminds me that nothing can replace the emotions and feelings you experience when you are a part of the experience.
4. The Relationships.
Throughout the show, the love and affection was so evident between the performers and the horses. The performers were talking and petting the horses through the show and they had such a comfort level with each other. As stated in the description of Odysseo, the show really is a celebration of this ancient relationship between humans and horses.
Watch the video trailer for the show below (look out for trick riding at 1:20 and 1:40):
[video:https://youtu.be/qzJYeWE0i8Q autoplay:0]As mentioned, still lots of time to get tickets as the show runs until the 24th of May. Tickets would make a great Mother's Day gift! And remember that promo code 'SMNTO' will get you 15% off.