There is a small hill to the west of Vienna, at the end of the green line, from where you can see two capital cities at the same time. Bratislava lies close to the Austrian/Slovakian border and is just a short train ride away. We didn’t visit Bratislava, but felt that Bratislava visited us in the form of body-popper Bruise. With his group, Old School Brothers, Bruise was winner of Slovakia’s Got Talent 2008.
Bruise Body popping in Stephenspltz Square
In view of Stephansplatz Cathedral in central Vienna, Bruise body pops (aka robot dancing and electronic dancing) in a metallic purple outfit. The body control he displays on the street is astounding, every muscle an independent act. Next to the inert statues and seen-it-before break dancing he really stands out.
Bruise Dancing in Vienna
You cannot see Budapest from Vienna but it is only a few hours on the train. Frank Simon, world record holder for heavy things balanced on his teeth, was from Hungary. Some very talented break-dancers we saw in Copenhagen were from Hungary. More break-dancers in Vienna were from Hungary. Maybe there is a reason why we met so many Hungarian street performers in other places. We certainly didn’t find many in Budapest.
Woman Playing Guitar in Budapest
A white statue, dilapidated. A old lady playing the guitar. A clown, sad and unpopular. A teacher playing the violin. Budapest is a beautiful city, but street performance is illegal in many places and the affordable train ride to more affluent cities must tempt the best talent away.
Artlang Trio in Stephansplatz
Back in Vienna, in the pedestrian areas around Stephansplatz, we meet a Russian orchestra trio (Artlang Trio) playing accordion, a strange triangular contra bass, and a dulcimer. A recovering alcoholic (so the sign said) standing on his head. A self-made king (he wore a crown) standing on a box and singing to his hand held radio. And a couple of puppeteers, the first we’d seen since Jaipur, India.
Vienna feels alive after the quiet streets of Budapest. Freedom of culture is strong here: the combination of tourists, cobblestones, and an open appreciation for art (see the statues, installations, museums, and theatre) has left Vienna a small haven for street performance.
Chris