Famous stallions to be showcased at Ocean Center

DAYTONA BEACH -- The “World Famous” Lipizzaner Stallions will take center stage at the Ocean Center for shows at 2 and 6 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 28.

The dancing white horses will demonstrate the movements of classical dressage, including the leaps and maneuvers known as the "airs above the ground," said Pat Kuehn, a Volusia County spokeswoman.

The stallions are making their 39th anniversary tour with new music, choreography and routines. The shows will include a presentation set to big band music and feature Spanish Andalusians, predecessors of the Lipizzans.

The Lipizzan is a rare and unique breed, and its history is known worldwide. The 1963 Walt Disney movie, “The Miracle of the White Stallions,” depicted Gen. George Patton saving them at the end of World War II and created a worldwide interest in the Lipizzaner breed. Had it not been for Patton, there would be no Lipizzans today.

Tickets are on sale at the Ocean Center Box Office, all Ticketmaster outlets, online at www.ticketmaster.com, or by phone at (407) 839-3900. Regular admission seats are $22.50. Tickets for children 12 and under and adults 62 and older are $18.50. A limited number of Gold Circle seats are available for $27.50. For groups of 15 or more, tickets are $17.50 each. For group reservations, call (386) 254-4545. All tickets are subject to applicable taxes and service and handling charges.

Event parking will be $5.

For more information about the Lipizzaner stallions, go to www.lipizzaner.com.

The Ocean Center, a service of Volusia County Government, has undergone a $76 million expansion and now has 200,000 square feet of exhibit, meeting and convention space. Grand opening events are scheduled for early 2009. Learn more about the Ocean Center at www.oceancenter.com.