February 2, 2010 by ChuckCureau •

After nine years, on October 30, 2009 we performed the very last VIVA! show.  We shut down our stadium and began the monumental task of creating a new show. After almost three months of construction and painting, rehearsals for our new beluga whale and Pacific white-sided dolphin show are in full swing.  It’s a very exciting time for us!

Our animal training team has been busy working with our animals on many projects, not just the show.  We received two new beluga whales from another zoological facility and we’re acclimating them to their new home. Bolt, the Pacific white-sided dolphin born this summer, is doing well and beginning to learn new behaviors.  Don’t think he’ll be quite ready for shows this year, but he sure is cute!

The new show will be cool.  We’ve been playing the new music (composed exclusively for our show) in our stadium in an effort to learn the musical beats, crescendos and transitions that will serve as cues for animal behaviors.  It’s a lot of work and timing can be tricky.  We’re working on the animal choreography, trying to put into practice what we, along with our creative consultants, have been planning.  Sometimes what looks great on paper doesn’t translate well when you put it into the pool.  It’s a fun process though and the team is doing a great job.  Kudos to them for donning wetsuits and getting in the water even on the cold days!

About two weeks ago, our non-animal performers came back and began practicing.  Many of them had left town to visit family.  Some went on a backpack tour of Europe. (Lucky!)  Others remained in town and took other jobs.  Regardless, all of them are excited to begin rehearsing the new show.

We are thrilled to welcome four new faces to the cast.  Synchronized swimmers Georgia and Maggie, and divers Mike and Brandon bring years of experience in their crafts as well as high levels of enthusiasm.  They’re an interesting bunch… Georgia recently legally changed her name, Maggie once rescued and raised baby sloths, Brandon is an expert juggler, and Mike was actually struck by lightening once which resulted in his eyebrow turning white!  I know they’re going to have a great time and we’re going to be a stronger team with them .  They are terrific and I’m excited to get to know them better.

Many folks have been asking about the name of the new show.  I even tweeted about it (www.Twitter.com/ChuckCureau) and offered hints recently.  Some followers thought that we would follow suit with the other SeaWorld parks and call it “Blue Horizons.”  Nope!  There were some hilarious guesses (“Greens n’ Chitlins” ?!?) but after much brainstorming we’re pleased to announce that the new name is (…drum roll please…) “Azul.” Be sure to come see it when it premieres March 12.  I’ll be there.  I hope you will be too!

Continued success and blessings to you and yours,

Chuck

Related posts:

1. Moving Time: SeaWorld Trainer Moves to New Waters

Posted in Around the Park, Uncategorized