Portland, Oregon – A terrifying moment unfolded at the Portland Exposition Center during a Cirque du Soleil performance of “Kooza” on Saturday night. A video capturing the incident shows Mariia Konfektova, an aerial hoop artist, losing her grip while executing a stunt and falling to the ground without a safety net.
The video, obtained by KOIN 6 News, shows Konfektova suspended in the air before slipping and plummeting to the stage in front of a shocked audience. The 23-year-old Russian performer is known for her impressive aerial stunts, often performed without a safety net.
Witnesses, including a 10-year-old boy named Benjamin Goldstein, described the harrowing moment when Konfektova fell onto the stage. Despite the initial confusion about whether the fall was part of the act, it became evident that an accident had occurred. Konfektova’s fall left her with injuries, including a nosebleed, but she remained composed as the Cirque du Soleil team rushed to her aid.
Konfektova was promptly transported to a hospital for examination, where medical specialists tended to her injuries. In a statement on Facebook, the production of “Kooza” assured concerned fans that Konfektova was receiving proper care and was on the path to recovery.
Despite the frightening incident, Konfektova has garnered attention for her impressive skills in aerial hoop performance. Holding a Guinness World Record for the fastest aerial hoop-spinning, Konfektova’s talent and dedication to her craft have been widely recognized.
The show must go on, as they say, and Cirque du Soleil’s “Kooza” performance continued after the incident, with performers displaying resilience and professionalism in the face of adversity. Konfektova’s well-being remains a top priority for the organization, with trainers and medical experts monitoring her progress until she is ready to make a return to the show.