Of the 5 National Shows I’ve seen so far at the World Gymnaestrada, Portugal was easily the best. Congratulations.
Though Portugal has a population of less than 11 million, they are a Gymnaestrada super power having hosted the largest ever in 2003. They have the 3rd largest delegation in Lausanne.
The theme was Fado, originally the folk music of the Lisbon urban poor. The soundtrack was fantastic.
Even better was the accompanying video / photo slide show. It competed with the athletes at times. At other times it complimented perfectly, the comedy ladder act, for example.
The one clown act in this show was the best I’ve seen in many years. And Portugal includes more Acrobatic Gymnastics than any other nation, always entertaining.
It was conspicuously faster paced than most other performances. Smart.
Leave a comment if you know the name of the choreographer. I’d like to extend my congratulations personally.
Two reviews of the show:
° Portuguese pumped up by the sounds of fado
° Proud to be Portuguese
Great pic. I`m not sure what show this is from, however.
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Canada made me proud, opening the PAGU (Pan American nations) show. Nobody in the audience will forget the choreographed Mounties. Happily, the Dreamcatcher prop lost in transit to Switzerland was found in time. In fact, they had manufactured a second, just in case.
Chile was the other outstanding PAGU nation, closing the show.
Germany I missed, but they got a rave review, as well.
Over the coming weeks I will post specific show highlights over on RecGymnastics.com.
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