Photo By Spc. Justin Malone | Grant David, a member of AntiGravity, spins on an oversized metal hoop. (Photo by Spc....... read more read more
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GUANTANAMO BAY, Cuba - An enthusiastic crowd energized the performers during Cirque Guantanamo at the Downtown Lyceum on Dec. 19, at U.S. Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. Service members from both NAVSTA and Joint Task Force Guantanamo attended the event to support the Florida-based artists.
An enthusiastic crowd energized the performers during Cirque Guantanamo at the Downtown Lyceum on Dec. 19, at U.S. Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. Service members from both NAVSTA and Joint Task Force Guantanamo attended the event to support the Florida-based artists.
The group known as AntiGravity, previously performed at two military bases in Japan, and used various acrobatics and aerial events to entertain the GTMO crowd of approximately 300.
“I think it was a great event,” said Elizabeth Leonard, the Morale, Welfare & Recreation fitness facility manager. “I think it was one of the best events I’ve seen in GTMO and a great opportunity for the community to experience something new.”
Troopers were excited to see the event and reminded them that the holidays were just around the corner.
“The Christmas theme really helped make it feel like Christmas,” said Army Sgt. Gabrielle Bernal, the mailroom supply clerk, with the 525th Military Police Battalion. “I was really impressed. I didn’t expect them to bring this to GTMO.”
Bernal said she would not have the opportunity to see aerial acts during the holidays back at home and appreciated the opportunity to see the performance. The holiday themed event allowed her to feel closer to home during this time of the year.
The AntiGravity performers were excited to put on the show for GTMO residents and used a mix of holiday music for their show.
“It was so much fun,” said Sarah Ivory, principal aerialist for AntiGravity. “The audience seemed to love it. They clapped for us and cheered for us and gave us the energy to perform tonight.”
The artists of AntiGravity created the performance for the troopers with the holiday season in mind. The set was decorated with red curtains and the costumes were designed for a holiday or Christmas theme.
“We felt we were coming here for a Christmas season, so we wanted to give a little bit of a Christmas feel,” said Heather Dodt, principal aerialist for AntiGravity. “That is how we came up with the order tonight.”
According to Dodt, the performers have trained their entire lives to get to where they are now. Training and rehearsals for each new event are difficult and take time. To maintain and perfect their routines, Dodt said they conduct 25 classes each week.
It has been more than three years since the AntiGravity performers have been at GTMO and the crew was excited to be here. The performers thanked the troopers for their support and service.
“I really love doing stuff for the troops because I know you guys don’t get as much stuff out here,” said Cory Tabino, a principal performer for AntiGravity. “You guys are some of the best audiences we have ever worked for and I thank you all for your service. This is probably one of the best ways I can personally do that.”
After the show, the performers spent time with audience members to thank them for their service, shake hands, and take pictures to mark a memorable evening.
| Date Taken: | 12.24.2015 |
| Date Posted: | 03.01.2016 10:52 |
| Story ID: | 190631 |
| Location: | GUANTANAMO BAY, CU |
| Web Views: | 74 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Aerial acts defy gravity during Cirque Guantanamo performances, by SGT Ryan Twist, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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