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'Awe-Inspiring' Vertical Dancers Turn Heads In Seaport District

BOSTON (CBS) – They were dancing on the walls today in Boston, something called "vertical" dancing.

And it caught the attention of a lot of people in the Seaport District this afternoon, all part of a big celebration in that rapidly developing neighborhood.

It was a sight to behold as six dancers from the aerial dance troupe Bandaloop turned the dance floor its' side.

The acrobatic performers, held securely by special rigging, made intricate choreography look easy, dancing on the side of 100 Northern Ave. to celebrate the building's grand opening.

"It's like a mixture of light. It's a mixture of hard physical work and being on a huge swing," says dancer and Bandaloop assistant artistic director Melecio Estrella.

Vertical Dancers
Vertical dancers in the Seaport District. (WBZ-TV)

"We thought the elegance of Bandaloop, with the buildings we have here, was a good match," adds developer Joe Fallon.

The building at 100 Northern Ave. is his fifth building on Fan Pier, an important part of Boston's booming Seaport District.

"Within five years you're going to see a major transformation to significant retail, a lot more residential and the neighborhood is really going to start to gel together," Fallon says.

Vertical Dancers
Dancers on the side of a building in the Seaport District. (WBZ-TV)

As a group of pedestrians look on, the dancers spin and soar high above the street. It's part climbing, part bungee cord jumping and all beauty.

"It's a celebration of public art and an opportunity to expand our dance audiences and show you what dance can be, even though you didn't expect to see dance today," says Thomas Cavanagh, Bandaloop's executive director.

"We love to be awe inspiring.  Maybe if we could have a little more awe in our lives we could be a little happier," adds dancer Melecio Estrella.

Wednesday's performance was actually just a warmup. They'll do a longer show Thursday at 5:30 p.m., which is when 100 Northern Ave. officially opens to tenants.

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