The artistics events are providing a fabulous spectacle, both for the many spectators at this event, and the general public, as the giant TV screens can be seen all down the beach. Especially after dark has fallen, this gives a dramatic showcase of aerial excitement, with the variation in styles making a rich tapestry of circus-style performances. The flamboyance of freestyle and freefly goes well with the carnival atmosphere DIPC has created here, with all manner of visual entertainment laid on: stilt walkers, bodyguards, mime artists, flyboard displays, airshows and more.
#Freefly
The freefly competition is the first to complete, so these lucky flyers have four days off. No doubt about the winners, Russia 1; Mikhail Razomazov, Aleksandr Ragulin & Valeriy Konnov on video. They take home a gold medal and $9,000, thank you very much. Russia 1 are like the circus trapeze artists, their beautifully timed routines have split second catches into new positions that make you gasp with astonishment.
A compelling battle has been going on for medals between the nicely matched trampolinists of Dubai and the fiery French bullfighters. In the end UAE (Bradley & Emma Merritt filmed by Nicholas Scalabrino) romped into second place and $6,600. Loic Perrouin, Yohann Aby & Jean Philippe Ricordeau of France picked up bronze and $4,500. In fourth place, Russia 2’s performance could be likened to the merry dances of the cossacks, followed by the Czech Republic team building human pyramids, with great catches, showmanship and aplomb.
World Champion Yohann Aby is the ultimate acrobat, with perfectly timed twists, tumbles and somersaults
#Freestyle
In freestyle current World Champion Yohann Aby is like the ultimate acrobat, with perfectly timed twists, tumbles and somersaults. Together with ace cameraflyer Will Penny they are scoring 9s or above for almost every round, and are well in front, as France 1. Behind them is ‘the ringmaster’, Loic Perrouin of France 2, who wears a top hat and tails outfit, and tailors his routine to suit his fancy dress. In third are FinOne, with Katya Larinen as the elegant solo gymnast showing great control, precision and creativity.
One of our goals here was to score an 8 – we've had two so far, so we're really happy with that
Just behind are USA, the lovely Animare. They are the husband and wife tumblers, showing their great rapport. [Brian] Festi is always there to catch her moves, and Amanda finishes her routine by blowing him a kiss. Sadly, performer Amanda Festi was injured the week before the competition; she had landed safely but another skydiver flew directly into her. This meant a visit to hospital and cut short their training at Dubai desert campus. She is suffering each round but has a super positive attitude and is just happy that she is able to jump. Local team UAE are in fifth; Nada Elbaioumy is the beautiful ballerina who finishes the show with a graceful, dignified dance.
#Second Half Show
I love to watch every one of these routines, each has its own unique style. The freestyle has 3 more rounds to go, so our circus show is just starting the second half. Regan Tetlow is commentating with a mixture of information and jokes, so I guess we could call him (with great affection) ‘the clown’. Regan keeps us everlastingly entertained between performances with his funny antics, repartie and playing to the crowd.
More info: DIPC on Emirates Airsports Federation website, including photos, video, results and a Live Stream
