Cavalia set for a long ride in Beijing

[Photo by Feng Yongbin/China Daily]

"The IP (intellectual property) and the assets of the show have been acquired by the joint venture created by Cavalia and Sinocap. The artistic direction of the show is still done by me and my team of creators."

The idea for Cavalia came around 15 years ago during a different show, when Latourelle noticed that the audience's attention completely focused on a single horse on the stage rather than the human performers.

So far, Cavalia has toured globally for more than a decade and the shows have been watched by millions.

"Cavalia touches audiences by celebrating the centuries-old relationship between man and horse, mixing acrobatic and equestrian arts like nobody else on the planet. It is the same magic that is presented to Chinese audiences," says Latourelle.

"The branding is the same, but some additions have been made on the logo for instance, to incorporate the Chinese alphabet and calligraphy and our partnership with Sinocap."

He also adds that to ensure Cavalia's success in Beijing, Latourelle's son and tour manager, Mathieu Latourelle, worked in close collaboration with Sinocap executives and staff on operations, marketing and production.

Chen, a businessman who has a keen interest in stage performances, watched Cavalia for the first time during a vacation with his family in Singapore in 2014. He was fascinated.

Chen then contacted Normand Latourelle and even flew to Montreal, where the company is based, to negotiate about bringing the show to China. He finally met Normand Latourelle in Hong Kong.

"There are a variety of shows in Beijing. But Cavalia is different. That's why I want it to stay in China. It gives you something powerful, magical and subtle," Chen says.