Year of Germany in the USA: Slackline Performance
Fine Line

The slackline performance Building Bridges is a symbolic start for the Year of Germany in the USA.
The slackline performance Building Bridges is a symbolic start for the Year of Germany in the USA. | © WunderbarTogether

The opening ceremonies of the Year of Germany in the USA were brought to an end with the successful slackline performance #building bridges over Monument Valley. Niklas Winter of One Inch Dreams balanced on a slackline between two hot air balloons bearing the national colours of Germany and the USA.

#WunderbarTogether 
 

  • Despite rough winds over Monument Valley, the two hot-air balloons launch in the sunrise. © WunderbarTogether
    Despite rough winds over Monument Valley, the two hot-air balloons launch in the sunrise.
  • In the glaring sun, athlete Niklas Winter starts his slackline performance Building Bridges over Monument Valley. © WunderbarTogether
    In the glaring sun, athlete Niklas Winter starts his slackline performance Building Bridges over Monument Valley.
  • Almost there! Athlete Niklas Winter from One Inch Dreams masters the slackline act over Monument Valley. © WunderbarTogether
    Almost there! Athlete Niklas Winter from One Inch Dreams masters the slackline act over Monument Valley.
  • The hot-air balloons in the national colours of Germany and the United States hover side by side over Monument Valley. © WunderbarTogether
    The hot-air balloons in the national colours of Germany and the United States hover side by side over Monument Valley.

Political relationships can often be a tightrope act. The athletes of One Inch Dreams prove that they can still succeed, though. High above the iconic rocky landscape of Monument Valley, Niklas Winter balances on a slackline between two balloons bearing the national colours of Germany and the USA. “When you concentrate on the essentials, fears and problems become very small,” Winter says of the secret to his successful stunt. It was a symbolic start to the Year of Germany in the United States. Under the motto “Wunderbar together,” more than 1,000 events aim to strengthen the bond between our countries. In the face of common challenges and growing divisions in the societies of both countries, this will help to build more – and stronger – bridges.