Last week, Chris and I surprised his daughter Kam and took her out for an evening under the White Big Top at Soldier Field for what the billboard's peppering I-290 claimed was "The Best Show Ever." We quickly realized upon entering the Rendezvous VIP tent, that if judged on buffet offerings and tent accommodations alone, Cavalia's Odysseo show might just in fact live up to its Best Ever tagline.

We filled up on a plentiful mediterranean bounty, cheers-ed with complimentary champagne a-plenty, lounged in oversized arm chairs and smuggled just-popped popcorn all in anticipation of the enigmatic spectacle that lay ahead. What was to come in the next 2 hours under the White Big Top was nothing less than a feast for the senses - fleets of snow white horses galloping in choreographed patterns, rhythmic acrobats tumbling with boundless energy, fearless stunt performers leaping, flipping, and twirling through the air, an awe inspiring horse trainer orchestrating nearly a dozen stallions with nothing but the gentlest of commands.

We took a few minutes between acts to pinch ourselves back to reality and gorge on the extensive dessert buffet in the VIP tent before reentering the world of Odysseo for round 2. The second act delivered even more acrobatics, stunning steeds on parade, and live musical accompaniment, culminating with a “is this real life?”-inducing finale replete with a greatest hits of the night’s acts performing simultaneously in, around and over the body of water that appeared where the sandy stage once was.

As the final applause subsided, we made our way backstage to the stables for a visit with the show’s 65 equine stars. We finished the evening with a trip onto the stage itself, stunned by the vastness of the impressive performance space under the Big Top...Odysseo by Cavalia was an experience we will remember for years to come, wondering if it was all just a dream.

Interesting Tidbits about Odysseo

• The show features 65 horses of 11 different breeds.

• Horses in the show are from Spain, Portugal, France, The Netherlands, Germany, Australia, The United States and Canada.

• There are 48 artists including riders, acrobats, aerialists, dancers and musicians.

• There are 350 costumes and 100 pairs of shoes and boots in the show. Artists may have up to seven different costumes.

• A team of 13 dressmakers, one property master, one designer and one shoemaker worked in the Odysseo studios to create the costumes.

Don't miss your chance to experience Odysseo by Cavalia. The show only runs until May 17, 2017 in Chicago but you can reserve your tickets for one of the remaining showtimes using the link below. Use coupon code SOCIAL for 15% off your ticket purchase!