This article recounts the author’s personal experience as a performer in Rene Gasser’s equestrian production, “Lipizzaners with the Stars.” It delves into the unique fusion of classical horsemanship, performed by Lipizzaner stallions and other baroque breeds, with live classical music and opera. The narrative highlights the challenges and rewards of preparing for and executing complex dressage movements, such as the “Airs above the Ground,” and provides historical context for classical dressage, tracing its origins from Renaissance masters like Federico Grisone and François Robichon de la Guérinière. The article also offers a glimpse into the demanding yet magical world of touring equestrian shows, from the rigorous training and dismantling of sets to the camaraderie among performers.
The author’s journey began when they joined Rene Gasser’s “Gala of the Royal Horses” tour in Queensland, transitioning from exercising racehorses to the intricate world of classical dressage. This initial experience provided a foundation for their involvement in “Lipizzaners with the Stars,” a production designed to bring the “pomp and grandeur of the baroque era” to Australian audiences. The show’s unique concept of combining a live thirty-piece orchestra and a world-renowned opera singer with four-footed ballet was unprecedented.
Rene Gasser, the visionary behind the production, is portrayed as a charismatic and authoritative figure with a deep understanding of showmanship, honed through seven generations of circus tradition. His background as a lion trainer, acrobat, and strongman informed his approach to equestrian performance, emphasizing precision and spectacle. The article details the transition from planning an outdoor show, “Lipizzaners under the Stars,” to adapting it for indoor entertainment centers due to logistical and financial challenges.
A significant part of the narrative focuses on the historical development of classical dressage. It traces the lineage of this art form from its roots in ancient Greece, with Xenaphon, through Italian masters like Grisone and Pignatelli, to the French luminaries Antoine de Pluvinel and François Robichon de la Guérinière. Guérinière, in particular, is credited with elevating dressage to a “rational science,” and his seminal work, École de Cavalerie, remains a cornerstone of dressage training. These historical masters laid the groundwork for the sophisticated movements performed today, including the piaffe and levade.
The article vividly describes the training process for specific dressage movements, such as the levade, courbette, and capriole, collectively known as the “Airs above the Ground.” The author recounts personal struggles and triumphs in mastering the courbette with their Lipizzaner stallion, Stephan, highlighting the delicate balance of power, control, and trust required between horse and rider. The challenges faced by the horse, Silver, in performing the piaffe under Michi Zink’s guidance, demonstrate the meticulous attention to detail and concentration demanded in classical training.
The fusion of music and horsemanship was meticulously orchestrated, with the orchestra joining the performers for rehearsals to synchronize movements with musical cues. This collaboration between musicians and equestrian artists aimed to create an immersive experience for the audience, transporting them to a different world. The author describes the elaborate, historically accurate costumes, including tights, bloomers, and feathered hats, which, despite initial awkwardness, added to the visual authenticity of the show.
The opening night of “Lipizzaners with the Stars” in Melbourne marked the culmination of months of intense training and preparation. The author vividly recalls the moment of stepping into the arena, the spotlight, and the expectant gaze of three thousand faces. The successful execution of the courbette with Stephan, achieving four clean jumps, brought immense relief and elation, mirrored in Rene Gasser’s approving nod. The subsequent performances across Australia, covering thousands of kilometers and captivating audiences, solidified the show’s success.
Ultimately, Rene Gasser’s productions are presented not just as entertainment but as a continuation of a rich equestrian tradition. By showcasing the artistry and elegance of classical horsemanship, these shows serve as a window into the grandeur of yesteryear, honoring the legacy of masters like Grisone, Pluvinel, and Guérinière. The article concludes by emphasizing that this tradition, passed down through Rene Gasser, continues to inspire and captivate audiences, offering a rare glimpse into a world of equestrian magnificence.
