LEWISTON — The Lipizzan is a rare and unique breed.

Its history and culture is known worldwide.

The Walt Disney movie “The Miracle of the White Stallions,” depicting General George S. Patton saving them at the end of World War II from certain extinction, created an even greater interest in the Lipizzaner breed. Had it not been for Patton, there would be no Lipizzans today.

The “World Famous” Lipizzaner Stallions will perform at 2 and 6 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 1, at the Augusta Civic Center and at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 3, at the Androscoggin Bank Colisee.

New music, choreography and routines have been incorporated into this 39th Anniversary Tour, with a major emphasis on the historical background and foundation of the Lipizzaner breed — from its original breeding and use as a horse of war to a horse of nobility and aristocracy.

The show emulates the Spanish Riding School of Vienna, Austria, in its presentation of Lipizzans, and maintains a traditional as well as entertaining performance similar in many ways to what you would see at the Spanish Riding School of Vienna.

Also included in the performance is a segment called the “Airs Above the Ground.” These are the spectacular leaps and maneuvers, once used by riders in saddle to protect and defend themselves on the battlefield, which are now preserved as an equestrian work of art.

Although 12 to 14 Lipizzans star in this production, the ancestral forefather of the Lipizzan, the Spanish Andalusian, is featured in a high-school presentation with special wardrobe themed to traditional Spanish music.

Not only is the Andalusian shown in saddle, but also in a unique presentation where the rider performs all the maneuvers of the Grand Prix Olympic level dressage on the longline, while walking behind the horse and guiding him through his paces.

The production concludes with the traditional Grand Quadrille, featuring six to eight Lipizzaner Stallions with their riders performing an intricate, equine ballet, exhibiting maneuvers through the highest level of dressage. The Lipizzans prance, march and intricately weave their way across the floor to the music of the masters in a spectacular ballet of four-footed white dancers.

Go and do
WHAT: “World Famous” Lipizzaner Stallions
WHEN: 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 3
WHERE: Androscoggin Bank Colisee, Birch Street, Lewiston
TICKETS: $30.50, $27.50 and $23.50 for adults; $25.50/$21.50 for seniors 60+ and children 12 and younger
FOR TICKETS: call 783-2009; visit the Colisee box office; order online at www.thecolisee.com
PARKING: $5

Copy the Story Link