By Karen Bloom
Born and bred for battle more than 400 years ago, the national touring spectacle recounts the Lipizzaner's storied history - from warhorses to graceful highstepping horses of nobility. These shows have been packing in more than 23 million people to arenas throughout the world, to watch the stallions performing amazing maneuvers and acrobatic feats that were once seen on the battlefield.All new music, choreography and routines have been incorporated in this anniversary edition, with a major emphasis on the Lipizzaner's history and tradition of the breed - from its origins and use as a horse of war to a horse of aristocracy to a living form of equestrian art.According to producer Gary Lashinsky, who has been involved with these horses for three decades, the show emulates the famed Spanish Riding School of Vienna, in its presentation of the Lipizzans, where horses are bought and bred for this production. More than a dozen horses perform the perfected dressage, movements that have been preserved from their war training roots.One of the show's highlights is a segment called "Airs Above the Ground." In this piece, the horses re-enact spectacular leaps and maneuvers once used by riders to protect and defend themselves on the battlefield, which are now preserved as an "equestrian work of art.""When you see the Lipizzans perform, it is like stepping back 400 years and viewing one of the greatest equine ballets in history," Lashinsky said.In another act, the Spanish Andalusian, the forefather of the Lipazzaner, is featured with a special wardrobe themed to traditional Spanish music. In this intricate presentation, the rider performs all the maneuvers of the Grand Prix Olympic level dressage, while walking behind the horse and guiding him through his paces.The show culminates with the traditional Grand Quadrille, featuring six to eight stallions, who with their riders, perform an equine ballet of high-level maneuvers. The Lipizzaners prance, march and intricately weave their way across the floor to spectacular music.The Lipizzan is a rare breed; its history and culture has received worldwide attention. The Walt Disney movie, "The Miracle of the White Stallions," depicted how they were saved from certain extinction by General George S. Patton at the end of World War II, creating an even greater interest in the breed.See these elegant, nimble stallions harken back to the days when the horse was a symbol of grace and majesty. It's certainly an experience unlike any other.
The "World Famous" Lipizzaner Stallions
Sunday, Apr. 30, 2 and 6 p.m. $25 and $35 adults; seniors 60+ and children save $2 per ticket. Nassau Coliseum, Uniondale. (631) 888-9000 or www.ticketmaster.com.
