While her personality may well match her voice, this woman hardly qualifies as a waif: She is a professional athlete, a beautiful and strong woman whose acrobatics on horseback made crowds gasp.

Born in the South of France near Avignon, Estelle was baptized in White Horse Church. "It was like a sign," she says.

Normand Latourelle, the Artistic Director of Cavalia, helped build the famed Cirque du Soleil (1985-1990). Normand Latourelle has been the driving force behind many impressive and memorable events. Among these are major productions for national and international events, including Canada's 2001 Summit of the Americas, the sound and light show in Ottawa on Parliament Hill, the 350th anniversary celebrations for the founding of Montreal, the spectacular Legendes Fantastiques in Drummondville, Quebec, and the Montreal Casino's Derner Farfelu

shows. Renowned for taking his audiences into new dimensions, Latourelle surpassed himself with Cavalia. Representing his greatest accomplishment to date, the landmark multi-media equestrian spectacle marks the latest chapter in his constant quest for innovation.

Estelle performs an exquisite pas de deux with her sister Magali. Riding two white horses, the two women, who appear to be twins, face each other in a mirror act. symbolizing the life with horses they have always known, and revealing their a closeness shaped by childhood bonds - riding double on their pony.

Among her other feats are carousel, trick riding, and Roman riding - not to forget lightening-quick costume changes! Estelle is still in the dressage pas de deux (mirror act) immediately before Roman riding. She not only

changes disciplines, but must dress in a new outfit backstage in a matter of seconds.

Estelle answered questions about herself.

Do you remember the first shows you were in?

Estelle: "I've done shows with my sister since I was very little. It was always very, very important. When my parents would say, 'Sunday we have a parade,' I couldn't sleep. It was like for one day I was a princess, with my little Spanish dress and the makeup."

Any advice for young riders who want to be in a show like this?

Estelle:"It's a lot of work to have a life with horses. It's not only about a nice costume and makeup. That's just a picture. It's also about backstage in the stables. All my life,

Estelle: "When I started with Cavalia, Fred [Frederic Pignon] said, 'You can try trick riding, why not?' I started little by little, day by day. Roman riding was my dream since I was 15!"

How do you see your life in 10 years?

Estelle: "I don't really know. For now, my priority is Cavalia. We believed in this show before it even began - and I still believe in it every day."

Cavalia begins a multi-week engagement in Las Vegas starting November 16, 2006 as part of the North American tour. Tickets for the exclusive Las Vegas show go on sale September 22.