MÄDIR EUGSTER RIGOLO

"... one of the most remarkable performances on stages and in rings worldwide."
(Neue Zürcher Zeitung, November 14, 2013) 

SO IT BEGAN

The unprecedented success story of SANDDORN BALANCE began in 1996, when Swiss theater maker Mädir Rigolo developed a balancing act for the dance theater production SANDDORN. The piece was set in knee-deep sand, and the only props were parched panicles of date and coconut palms that Mädir had collected as flotsam and jetsam from the most beautiful places in the world. More than a decade passed until international organizers discovered the SANDDORN BALANCE: The worldwide triumphal procession began. Whether in New Zealand, in the USA, in Japan or Europe, whether in a theater, a Variété or a tent, on Broadway, with Cirque du Soleil or in museums, at exclusive galas, in front of several thousand people or in front of a few hundred: the SANDDORN BALANCE receives everywhere the undivided attention of the audience and the media. It is awarded with the highest prizes.

WORLDWIDE TRIUMPH 

With his performance SANDDORN BALANCE, the tinkerer and performer celebrated great international success. He won numerous prizes with his breathtaking act. What Mädir Eugster conjured up on stage is magic, artistry, dance and performance all in one, leaving every audience in disbelief. 

In February 2013, Mädir Eugster Rigolo was awarded the Kamiwaza Prize in Japan. This title denotes a "master with superhuman abilities". Thus, the art of the SANDDORN BALANCE has arrived in the land of Zen: Concentration, mindfulness and conscious perception in search of absolute reality manifest in the 15-minute performance. 

This honor underlined the decision of Mädir, made shortly before, to pass on his art. "During 15 years, only I have shown this fragile work of art. I am now passing on my knowledge. I am very happy that I have found people in my environment who share my experience. I trust my successors: they will guard this treasure, develop it further and breathe their own life into it. The SANDDORN BALANCE holds many secrets, and each performer can elicit one from it in his or her own way." 

Mädir Eugster passed away unexpectedly in 2023 at the age of 67.

 
“Grandiose, meditative counterpoint” (Neue Zürcher Zeitung)
“The balance artist seems "otherworldly"” (Tages Anzeiger)
“Rigolo coupe le souffle” (Le Nouvelliste)