Bandaloop

Type: Opening Act – Vertical Dance

Overview: After a performance by Bandaloop, the audience had only amazing things to say. If you are looking for reactions like “breath-taking” and “amazing” after a performance, then Bandaloop is an act worth considering.

Performers from Bandaloop (a vertical dance company) dance on the sides of buildings or suspended from climbing ropes in the air above your head.   

Application: We were hired to find and produce an opening act for a very large convention in Las Vegas. The act was to be featured as part of the event opening, which took place outside, where the audience gathered in front of the entrance doors waiting for the show to open. We wanted a performance that would happen among the audience, so the side of the convention center became the stage and the dancers performed right above the audience’s heads.

Things to Consider: You need to have the right space for this performance.  A small ballroom with limited celling height will not work. This is a physical dance so the performance cannot be too long either.

A significant amount of rehearsal time is needed for this performance. Because the performance often takes place on a real object (which cannot be replicated exactly in a studio) rehearsal time on the building specifically is required. Rigging and set-up is very important too.

In addition, a custom music track is not required, but definitely adds to the impact of the show.

Producer’s Notes: This is one of the most interesting opening acts we have produced. If you are looking for something completely different with a big impact, this is an act to consider.

See the Highlights:

The Three Painters

Type: Opening act, speed painting

Pros: The audience enters to a blank, dark canvas and within a couple of minutes three painters create a masterpiece. The painting starts with a series of brush strokes and over time grows to be a full caricature portrait of a famous person.

As an option, one of the painters can paint the portrait upside down and then spin it to reveal the finished artwork.   The performance is accompanied by live singers who perform a medley of popular songs.

Note:  There are other similar groups who also paint portraits but just to a music track without the live singers.

Cons: Based on the audience, the live singers can be a little forced if the selected music doesn’t connect to the theme or message of the event.

The length of the performance needs to be controlled. The longer this is drawn out, the less effective I think this act is as an opening.

Producer’s Notes: This is a performance that once you have seen it, you probably don’t need to see it again, but for a first time audience it can work and definitely grabs the audience’s attention.