DALLAS, TX – No doubt that there is much love for horses in North Texas, but that affinity is about to be taken up a few artistic notches as the international Artania Show brings its grand heartbeat of hooves to North Texas.
The family-oriented, all-ages event features mystery and surprise under the big top with the legendary Kantemirov Family Cossack warriors, breath-taking horsemanship and cirque-style acrobatic artistry, featuring a cast of 50+ aerial artists, acrobats, contortionists, gymnasts and more. But the undeniable stars are the 19 rare Russian horses, including an extraordinary white albino (with blue eyes!) and a horse with a bloodline dating back to Alexander the Great.
Along with their stunt riders, they weave a tale of a mysterious kingdom called Artania, frequently mentioned in the legends of Ancient Russia. This equestrian circus extravaganza was rated the #1 show in Russia and Europe, and was voted the #1 attraction in Ontario, Canada.
Artania will be in downtown Dallas, in an Italian, custom-made, air-conditioned 60’ x 60’ big top tent soaring six stories tall, across I-35E from Reunion Arena, at 800 S. Industrial Blvd. Complimentary parking is available next door in the Reunion Arena Marshaling Lot, complete with attendants, security, and lighting.
Performance times are Thursdays and Fridays at 8pm; Saturdays at 3pm and 7pm; and Sundays at 2pm and 6pm. Ticket prices start at $34.99 with group discount rates available. Premium tickets, for an additional $5, get you backstage, up close and personal, with performers and horses.
Tickets are available at www.artaniashow.com or by calling, toll-free, (877) 864-3327. (Hurry – because the show was so popular, its stay was extended two weeks in Houston to give everyone a chance to see it – tickets were like gold!)
About Artania
Artania, by definition, is a mysterious kingdom frequently mentioned in the chronicles and legends of Ancient Russia, where ancient mysteries of the past engage with the innovations of the future (much like our Atlantis legends). Above all, it is a celebration of life and of mankind’s love and admiration for horses, illustrating the harmony between man and nature.
While the horses move in a perfectly timed dressage, the infinitely creative mix of artistry, acrobatics and dance will astonish and spark the imagination. The artists not only defy the laws of gravity, they transcend laws of nature as they unveil the secret wisdom of the future and of times past.
“The show incorporates a variety of performance styles, from death-defying horseback riding stunts, aerial acrobats and contortionists to traditional segments requiring audience participation, all of which will amaze and excite viewers of all ages. Our acrobats, aerialists, and gymnasts will amaze as much as our horses. This is the Greatest Show on Dirt!” said Mairbek Kantimerov, Artania artistic director.
THE PERFORMERS
Alibek Kantimerov, founder of the distinguished Kantemirov horse riding dynasty from North Ossetia, Russia, began his career as a circus rider and was the first in the history of Russian circus to create a troupe. The troupe, known as “Alibek,” performed traditional Ossetian (Cossack Warrior) stunts on horses. In 1947, Alibek and his three sons, Khasanbek, Irbek and Mukhtarbek, created a system of acrobatic horse riding stunts for the Soviet cinema, which later became a classic art form for the Russian cinema. The prestigious stunts and horse dressage of the Kantemirovs have been featured in more than 50 films.
Following in his footsteps was son Irbek Kantimerov, originator of many of the equestrian stunts observed in circuses throughout the world. In 1967, Irbek became the head of “Alibek.” Irbek held various honors including People’s Artist of the USSR, Master of Sports of the USSR and Champion of the Armed Forces of the USSR. As a five-time national equestrian champion, Irbek was considered one of the best trick and stunt riders the world has ever seen.
Since 1994 (when he retired from decades of performing), the creative and artistic direction of Artania has fallen into the hands of Mairbek Kantimerov. In 1997, Mairbek was recognized as an Honored Artist of Russia and North Ossetia. He created his own theatrical attraction centered around the legends of ancient warriors, the Scythians, and it quickly became an incredibly successful production in Russia and Europe. Mairbek performed in many international festivals and horse shows and received the Russian National Academy Award as well as Attraction of the Year Award in Ontario, Canada. In addition, Mairbek was named the winner of the 20th International Circus Festival in Rome.
THE HORSES
Many ancient and rare breeds of horses are featured in Artania, including Akhal-Teke Thoroughbred, Tersk, Ukrainian and Orloff Trotter. The Akhal-Teke is the most ancient and one of the rarest breeds in the world. One of the Akhal-Tekes featured in Artania is a very unusual, cream-albino with blue eyes and bloodline dating back more than 3,000 years to the time of Alexander the Great. Born in the Asian steppes and deserts, it has almond-shaped eyes and a long back coupled with a flat croup and long, upright neck. The Akhal-Tekes are lively and alert with a reputation for being a “one-rider” horse.
The Tersks, considered a strong steppe horse used by warriors, were specifically bred for the Russian Army in the 19th century. The Ukrainian breed is of German descent and most often preferred in sports. Lastly, the Orloff Trotter breed, was selected by the royal family Orloff and bred in the 19th century. They are very well built with a strong body and long neck, and mainly white in color. This breed is known as one of the world’s strongest horses and, in 1957, this type of horse won the absolute record of carrying weight in a cart with 23 tons. The Russian Heavy Horse resembles a Clydesdale, but without the fancy hair around its hooves. Acrobats tumble across its broad back during the performances of Artania.