Acrobatic slam dunk team wows crowd
Lords of Gravity shows spectators what to expect at Sandringham
FRIDAY MARCH 18 2016
WORLD famous basketball dunk team The Lords of Gravity, yesterday, gave extreme sport lovers a taste of what to expect at the Cape Argus SportShow this weekend. The Lords of Gravity, an energetic troupe from Budapest, Hungary, staged a special performance for an audience at the V&A Waterfront.
The group combines basketball with elements of acrobatics and gymnastics.
The performance was to celebrate it first visit to South Africa.
They were joined on stage by parkour and trampoline artists.
Spectators were entertained by The Lords of Gravity performance, which showcased an innovative basketball slam dunk show, demonstrating high-flying, perfectly choreographed acrobatic moves while precisely passing the ball to each other at the most unexpected times.
The Lords of Gravity were formally formed about four years ago. It consists of gymnasts, trampolines and basketball players.
It became one of the most well-known acrobatic slam dunk teams in Europe after successfully attempting to set a world record for the “Farthest Basketball Slam Dunk” (furthest) at the NBA Europe Live Tour in Berlin in 2012.
Group member Levente Pal said the group was enjoying its trip to South Africa and had enjoyed performing at the V&A Waterfront. “We are so excited to be here. The audience, they have never seen this before, but I think they liked it. We just can’t wait to showcase some of our other styles this weekend.”
Some of the members showed the Cape Argus scars obtained in training and during performances.
Pal added: “We created this sport because we like trampoline jumps and played basketball – we wanted to do a mix of it.
“Every one of us has suffered injuries, but it’s part of the job. It’s dangerous , but also fun for us.”
Dylan Whittle, a member of the Bounce trampoline crew and a BMX racer, from Joburg, also stunned the crowd when he performed a few stunts with a bike on the trampoline.
Whittle said: “Today was cool, I enjoyed the performance. This is fun, nerve-wrecking, but great.”
He said he could not wait for the SportShow this weekend.
“This weekend is going to be pumping all the way,” he said.
Luxolo Qwesha, a passer- by, was giggling in excitement and amazement.
Qwesha said: “I would like to try some of the tricks. It looks fun, but also very scary at the same time. It’s great and unbelievable.”
Elize Biewenga, a parent of one of the trampoline stunt performers, said she enjoyed watching her son perform his tricks.
“It’s sometimes very scary for me to watch him, but I have learnt to enjoy his craft.
“We should have more of these kinds of shows so that more talents can be seen. They should be appreciated.”
The Cape Argus SportShow is at Sandringham Farm outside Stellenbosch from tomorrow until Monday. Tickets are available at Computicket.