Acrobatic parkour show tailor-made for Tatra
In the summer of 2024, Tatra presented its latest vehicle model - Tatra Phoenix. To celebrate the launch, the world-famous truck manufacturer held an event for journalists and important guests. For this event, we supplied a full day of shows and walking acts, including a bespoke acrobatic show with jumping stilts and parkour.
Preparations
Tatra approached us with a clear brief: “We want an energetic acrobatic show as the highlight of the event.” The Aliatrix creative team put their heads together and we discussed ideas on how to make such a show happen.
After initial brainstorming, we decided not to choose any of our standard acrobatic acts for the occasion, but to put together a new show tailored to Tatra's requirements - action-packed, dynamic and energetic.
Choosing the performers
Our goal was to create a show that would combine acrobatics and adrenaline sports and would look bold and fresh. For this collaboration we invited acrobats on jumping stilts and parkour artists.
We met with the performers for an initial training session in the park. We discussed our creative vision, the acrobats in return showed us their best stunts. Together we started to put together a concept for the whole performance to ensure maximum wow effect.
The energy and joy of movement you feel when watching parkour performers is very inspiring. Collaborating with new artists is always a rewarding experience and in this case, everyone involved was a perfect match in ideas and drive.
Walking acts and final fire show
As an accompanying program during the day, we have chosen the mirror couple and walking acts on stilts and jumping stilts that fit thematically with the main show.
We then decided to round off the day with a the tribal fire show with drumming accompaniment. The tribal show is our greatest pride in terms of the skill level of the fire performers.
We created this show in 2020 for the Roztoč art festival, where the best flow arts artists from all over the world meet. In collaboration with Groove Army we have created a fusion of fire show and drumming show. We've made the tribal show a part of our regular offer and often perform a smaller version of it without drummers. So we're always thrilled when someone books it in full. For the Tatra show, the client booked 4 fire performers and 6 drummers.
On the day of the event
On the D-day we arrived in Kopřivnice, where the event was held, early in the morning for the space rehearsal of the acrobats and drummers. So the fire performers and the mirror couple actors had a few hours off before it was time to prepare for the show. They decided to take advantage of it by exploring the surroundings and took a trip to the picturesque town of Příbor, where they visited the family brewery Pivojem.
When even the performers have fun at an event
When the event started in the afternoon, guests were greeted right at the entrance by the mirror couple and actors on stilts. They entertained guests with funny skits and took photos with them throughout the day. A favorite stunt was the jumping over the brave volunteers by an acrobat on jumping stilts. And there were many brave ones! Watch the video.
Actors in mirror costumes and stilt walkers were perfectly in tune with each other. All afternoon they were playing mischievous pranks, dancing and having a great time. The guests laughed a lot together with the actors and had unforgettable experiences.
The unveiling ceremony was almost spoiled by the wind
In the meantime, the main part of the program that everyone had come for was getting ready: the reveal of the new truck. The original plan was to start the unveiling with the acrobatic show, after which the curtain would fall. However, due to bad weather and strong winds, it was necessary to improvise a little.
The curtain could not be fully drawn before the start of the show, as the wind was leaning heavily on it. The important task of pulling the curtain all the way up was therefore given to the mirror couple, who did not hesitate and willingly took on the task.
The acrobatic and parkour show was full of somersaults, jumps and tricks performed by the best acrobats in the Czech Republic. After the show, the acrobats ceremoniously pulled down the curtain and the Tatra Phoenix truck drove forward accompanied by sparklers and drummers from Groove Army. The whole performance was topped off with fireworks. This was followed by a press session in which Tatra representatives gave interviews and reporters shot footage for the TV broadcast.
Everyone who organises events knows this well. Weather, technology, transport and similar whimsical circumstances are sometimes not in your favor. One of Aliatrix's main goals is to be your partner in situations like this, to support you and do everything we can to make the event a success. Even if it means actually protecting the curtain from the wind with our own hands :)
Fire show as the grand finale
Before darkness fell and it was time to prepare the final show of the day, we had one more experience to remember. We were able to take a ride in a Tatra truck at the testing track driven by a helpful driver.
The fire show preparations then went smoothly. The performers and drummers transformed themselves into jungle savages and adorned themselves with ritual make-up. We got the fire equipment ready and headed to the stage. The show had a great atmosphere and we really enjoyed the sparkling energy between the performers and drummers.
Every custom show takes us further
The custom program for Tatra was a great experience. We had the chance to put together a new type of acrobatic show and a new concept of walking acts, where an acrobat on jumping stilts interacted with the audience with his daring stunts. We enjoy challenges and we throw ourselves into every opportunity to try something new with determination, enthusiasm and creativity.
Are you organising an event and looking for a dance performance? Drop us a line and we'll come up with an original concept that guests will enjoy and remember with a smile. We will work together in the creation of the program and the event itself to ensure a maximum experience not only for the guests, but also for the performers and the organizing team.
About the author
Eliška Heřmanská
Eliška is an energetic and creative being. Her pace of learning new juggling skills is admirable. Although she has been with us for a short time, she is catching up on the experience of others by giant leaps. She has already performed in several countries in Europe and Bahrain. Eliska is also a valuable team member in production matters. We are delighted to have her involved in developing all aspects of our company.