There’s something so beautiful and dangerous about acrobatics. As someone who isn’t terribly agile or flexible, I’ve always been fascinated with people who are. Those who show no fear when they fly through the air or bend over, and backward, and flip and bounce with a seamless effortlessness. It’s always astounding to me. And while I know there’s a lot of training and practice that goes on behind the curtains, I can’t help but be floored by the finished product and performance I see onstage!
And don’t get me started on the creativity! It seems as though performers are becoming more and more creative in terms of the props they use. While juggling and plate spinning are honorable circus skills, alongside baton twirling, aerial straps, poi spinning, and riding a unicycle, ladies and gentlemen, I’d like to introduce the exercise ball.
From Ukraine but based in Berlin, Germany, Tatiana Konoballs is a performer whose act includes the use of three large exercise balls. She showcases many different skills, her act an elegant mix of acrobatics, juggling, and antipode (a circus acrobalance posture where one lies on his/her back and spins a person or object using only his/her feet).
On an episode of “Le Plus Grand Cabaret Du Monde,” a French entertainment show which has become one of the biggest entertainment shows in the world, highlighting all sorts of cabaret acts that include magicians, jugglers, acrobats and more, Tatiana graces the stage to perform her unusual act.
All eyes are on her. She is wearing dramatic makeup, and a bright mint green dress embellished with polka dots on the frill. Her three balls are onstage as she walks over and “stumbles” onto one of them. At first, it appears like she made a mistake, but the audience quickly learns that she’s got everything well planned out.
While one might think her props belong in a gym, it’s obvious that she’s created a niche for herself. Her act is surprising, engaging and compelling to watch, mainly because of her delightful use of such a strange prop! Who would have thought exercise balls would be used on stage like that? She is exceptionally creative and mesmerizing, using her exercise balls in ways never thought possible. Tatiana’s skill and passion are obvious as she wins over the crowd!
Click below to watch this strangely unique but highly technical performance. You’ll never look at an exercise ball the same way again.
