mymodernmet.com: Eight years after his last public stunt, American illusionist David Blaine completed yet another stunning spectacle with The Ascension. Streamed live on YouTube, the performance saw Blaine get carried up and away by 52 helium balloons. After reaching an incredible altitude of 24,900 feet, he then parachuted back to Earth.
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8 years ago, David Blaine performed a stunt which involved him being electrocuted with Tesla coils; after frightening his then 2 year old daughter, his next stunt was inspired by her and The Red Balloon. Blaine reached 24,900 feet in altitude, strapped to 52 helium balloons over Arizona, which is an insane height and way surpassed what his team was expecting. The training he had to go through to complete this was nothing I could have imagined, like the pilots license and becoming a licensed commercial balloon pilot (which is not something I even knew existed!). Training and preparation lasted for over a year, including breathing exercises for when oxygen levels got low and it became cold. This stunt takes performance to an entirely different level, and is nothing like anything I have ever seen before. Incorporating physics, childhood eagerness, and theatrical performance made for a stunning representation of the lack of limits when it comes to creating art and sharing it with the world (or 7 million viewers to be exact).
This is incredible. And unbelievable. I often don't think that the world I live in is the same one I read about because I just wonder how people like David Blaine exist. I've always been one to seek excitement and thrill, riding every roller coaster I get the chance to and climbing to the highest of heights, whether skyscraper or jungle gym, but it's never occurred to me "what if I just try to float away as far as possible?" Having the dedication to complete an entire year of training for this stunt, obtaining multiple licenses and certifications, is inspiring. I love the idea of following your dreams and being an example to others, especially when it was for his 9 year old daughter - except, is it just who doesn't understand how putting himself in that much danger is FOR his daughter? No judgement, I am still in awe of this incredulous feat, but just confused. Regardless, I didn't ever think I would see a live action version of Up.
While it isn't stated in the article, I was not surprised to learn that someone from TAIT was behind this stunt. 8 years ago, David Blaine pulled off another crazy stunt where he electrocuted himself using Tesla Coils. Inspired by the Red Balloon, David Blaine used helium filled balloons to lift himself up over 24,000 feet. He then released himself from the balloons and parachuted back down to earth. What is insane to me was that his team let him go so far past what they wanted him to do. That being said, seams like it was worth it. They are getting the views. At the time I am writing this comment, his main video has over 17.6 million views and the highlights video has over half a million views. All I can think is what he is going to be up to next...even if it takes another 8 years, I'm sure he is already thinking about something.
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