On Sunday, June 21, an extremely dangerous element swept through Bratislava. Meteorologists talked about the so-called downburst. It is a meteorological phenomenon in which there is an intense and violent fall of cold air from a storm cloud towards the ground. When this air hits the earth’s surface, it spreads in all directions and creates extremely strong, destructive winds.
People often mistake it for a tornado after the line passes because of the broken trees and torn off roofs, but it is a completely different meteorological phenomenon with different mechanics of destruction. In simple terms, a downburst can be described as an intense and violent fall of cold air from a storm cloud directly towards the ground. The moment when the downburst hits the earth’s surface, it resembles a huge collapse. After the impact, the air does not start to twist like in the case of a tornado, but it spreads with immense ferocity in all directions.
This creates a destructive, straight-line wind that deposits debris and trees in the affected area in one direction – in the line of the wind. The hallmark of a downburst on weather radar and photographs is a massive, dark wall of rain that looks like a giant bucket of water has been dumped from the cloud onto the ground.
This threatening meteorological phenomenon almost hit the unique event of modern ballet under the open sky on the Danube embankment – CHOREA GALA 2026. The spectacular gala evening is created under the auspices of renowned director, choreographer and dancer Ján Ďurovčík.
Threatening images were published on the social network of his Theater JANART just a few hours before the show. “We thank all the exceptional dancers who came to us from different corners of the world, our loyal viewers and fans who were with us yesterday, and also to all those up there who held protective wings over us“, they expressed their gratitude.
The weather surprised them. “After the storm that blew right before the start of the gala evening, we were worried whether the event would be able to take place at all. In the end, however, nothing happened to anyone and the 7th year of CHOREA GALA – The evening of modern ballet could take place in full beauty. This year, too, we experienced an evening full of art, emotions and talent of the highest world level together. Thank you,” they said to supporters. In a threatening VIDEO, you can see how garden bar tables and chairs are blown away by the wind. A few hours before, preparations were in full swing. You can find the images above the article.
