The Dubai-based aerial acrobats Valeria Baigacheva and Mario Mira have joined the Russian artist Tatiana Ruzova to perform the Aerial Silk Spectacular routine for visitors at the Mall of the Emirates this week.
The show by OffBroadway Entertainment offers a combination of old and new circus tricks, from floor acrobatics to climbing silks, in a display of breathtaking drops, flips and spins. Mira says he has recently developed a new drop called the Bird of Paradise, which should be ready for public viewing by the end of the month. We got hold of the artists for a rapid-fire round.
Have you performed in a mall before?
We have performed in many malls in the Emirates and abroad, but our experience at the Mall of the Emirates has been the best so far.
What is the preparation like before each show?
We take about an hour and a half to prepare before a show, beginning with hair and make-up and moving on to warm-up and stretching techniques to ensure our muscles are ready to perform intricate moves and positions. We do a technical safety check to secure our silks 15 minutes prior to performing.
Have you had any funny incidents during a show?
During one performance we were transitioning into another move but misjudged the height and Valeria’s foot ended up in Mario’s mouth.
Do people try talking to you during the act?
No, but we have people cheer us on and watch in fascination.
If not an acrobat, what would you be?
We cannot imagine doing anything other than this.
What is the worst thing about the job?
The worst thing would have to be when the show ends, the magic ends. But the memory of the show remains with the audience.
• The Aerial Acrobats perform daily at 5pm, 7.30pm and 9.30pm until Friday at the Mall of the Emirates
aahmed@thenational.ae
