Edinburgh Fringe Festival 2024

Back at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival 2024, this time from July 31st to August 27th, in Scotland's capital, to contribute to one of the world's largest arts and culture celebrations: the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Over 26 days, I had the opportunity to perform 25 shows to enthusiastic audiences. Wonderful! For me, this is a "workcation," where I can pursue my passion in a relaxed and creative way. Performing, networking with other creatives, finding inspiration, and above all, having a lot of fun. It also creates space for new ideas, initiatives, and collaborations. I'd love to take you on a journey with me in this blog post.

With two heavy suitcases weighing 23 and 32 kilos, I'm immediately introduced to the new team and can rehearse for the first show, which will take place tomorrow in the theater. The team consists of (for me) two new breakdancers from New Zealand and Australia; Mira, a vocalist from Australia with whom I've worked before; Gene, the drummer, with whom I've also worked before; and a new Cyrwheel artist, also from Australia. Unfortunately, Heru, a BMX artist from Indonesia, couldn't get his visa for Scotland. Fortunately, our team is reinforced four days later by Peter Sőre, the BMX artist (and now a good friend) from Hungary, but that means the choreography has to be adjusted again.

There's an immediate good vibe and connection within the team; they even call it the A-team: the best team ever, because each artist brings a wealth of experience, charisma, and expertise. The youngest artist on stage is 33, which is unique for most theater productions, including 360 Allstars.

All the artists are staying together in two houses. I share a house with the two breakdancers and the Cyrwheel artist, with whom I immediately clicked.

The venues are packed every day, just like in previous years. After each show, we take the time to connect with the audience. We have positive and inspiring conversations with people who were in the audience. I spin basketballs on thousands of fingers, sunglasses, shoes, hats, and every other object people can think of. We also sign countless autographs and take pictures with everyone who asks.

Specially for this adventure in Scotland, I created two limited-edition lines of Scottish Balls with Special Balls, featuring the Scottish (custom SB) Tartan pattern. I'll be performing with them, much to the delight of the Scottish audience members. They're limited edition and instantly popular. To top it all off, our team, including the technician, is also wearing matching SB tracksuits featuring the same Scottish pattern as the limited-edition basketballs. I'm thrilled that the idea I envisioned is being so well received in practice. People are even asking where they can buy these tracksuits.

My family is coming to Scotland for the last week. It's wonderful to finally see my three girls again! Even though I've performed the same show 21 times, their presence motivates me to give it my all. My daughters get to go behind the scenes for one day. Literally, because I take them backstage so they get a better idea of ​​what I do. It's a powerful experience for them to witness the hustle and bustle backstage and feel the tension as the audience pours in. Secretly, they enjoy this even more than sitting at the front of the audience.

Both my daughters are very athletic. They swim and do gymnastics at a high level, so they quickly pick up the tricks they learn from the breakdancers. Unfortunately, we've been experiencing some truly Scottish weather this past week (read: rainy), but that doesn't stop us from visiting lovely restaurants.

After this adventure in Scotland, we embark on an exhausting journey back to the Netherlands that will demand a lot from us. Two return flight cancellations in two days. We take an Uber to a different airport in Glasgow. But this Uber takes a wrong turn, making it look like we won't make this return flight either. The taxi driver drops us off at the wrong station, and we run with our suitcases for 11 minutes to the right place. Fortunately, the plane is late, so we can check in just in time. Rebooking our tickets and traveling to a different airport was stressful, chaotic, and expensive. Nevertheless, I look back on the four weeks I spent in Scotland with fond memories. I'd love to come back!