Ben Gasper, project manager at Tait, comments: "Every project we do for P!NK is always unique. Given her acrobatic background, there is always a desire to do something more thrilling and more extravagant each time she performs. This performance was particularly unique because P!NK fly's through the air without using a harness. Obviously, safety and reliability are key, and we were able to utilize our Tait Navigator to control her speed and execution."
Tait provided a performing flying package that included five single line performer flying T-winches and a 50ft 2D trolley system. At the opening of Just Like Fire," P!NK wrapped herself in a golden rope trapeze and took flight above the audience while applying her silk acrobatic technique. The golden rope trapeze hung from a pocket watch prop that was attached to Tait's single line performer flying winch. After approximately 30 seconds, P!NK returned to the stage and she strutted the runway to the opposite end. At that time, Tait's performer flying winches lifted P!NK's two backup dancers into the air to perform synchronized acrobatic moves. To end her impressive performance, P!NK boarded a giant scenic clock hand that ascended into the air, to meet a massive, fire-lit clock above the stage.
"Being that the Billboard Music Awards are performed on live TV, we only had one shot to pull off safe automation for P!NK's courageous performance. Being in the live entertainment and automation business for so long, we are used to working in 'first time right' constraints. It takes a special breed to work under that amount of pressure, provide the safest gear, and adapt to any changing needs at a moment's notice. TAIT was very pleased to have the opportunity to be involved in one of the best performances of the evening," says Gasper.
Naturally, these productions require a team. For this performance, the team consisted of Joe Sanchez, production manager, and Baz Halpin, set designer from Silent House Productions, as well as, Scenic Route, Dreya Weber, Kish Rigging, and Dick Clark Productions.
For P!NK's performance of Just Like Fire at the 2016 Billboard Music Awards, Tait provided a performer flying package that raised the bar for flying performances in the music industry. Tait Navigator ensured P!NK's safety as she took flight without wearing any harnesses by operating performer flying gear that met all safety performance regulations. The 2016 Billboard Music Awards were held at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada on Sunday, 22 May to celebrate and honour some of the hottest names in music today.
(LSi Online)
