Portland, Oregon – A Cirque du Soleil aerialist suffered a terrifying fall during a live performance at the Portland Expo Center, leaving the audience in shock. The incident, captured on video by 10-year-old Benjamin Goldstein, showed the aerialist slipping from a hoop while twirling above the stage.
Goldstein described initially thinking the fall was part of the show before realizing something was wrong. The aerialist, identified as Mariia Konfektova, appeared to hit her nose and was seen bleeding. Despite the fall, Konfektova later reassured her followers on Instagram that she was okay following the incident.
The performance, titled KOOZA, was momentarily halted after the fall, and Konfektova was promptly assisted by the tour intervention team and taken to the hospital for evaluation. Audience members were temporarily ushered out of the area before being allowed to return, but tension lingered among the crowd following the accident.
Cirque du Soleil later updated on Facebook that Konfektova was under medical care and being supported by the medical and coaching team as she recovered. The show emphasized that safety was a top priority and assured the audience that Konfektova would receive the necessary care before returning to the show.
The incident highlighted the risks involved in aerial performances, where even minor adjustments in equipment or environment can have significant implications for performers. Dana Haynes, editor of the Portland Tribune, emphasized the meticulous preparation and rehearsals undertaken by the performers to ensure their safety.
Despite the fall, the show expressed gratitude for the audience’s concern and well wishes for Konfektova, reassuring everyone that she was in good hands and would be supported until her return to the show. The incident serves as a reminder of the dedication and resilience required of performers in high-risk environments like Cirque du Soleil.