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DIPTI NAIR
Doha
People find success in different ways, and Serbian Petar Popovic literally jumped for it. An acrobat-turned-stage-artist-turned-fitness-expert, Petar is now working as venue manager at Qatar's first trampoline park, Bounce Qatar.
A skilled acrobat who does everything from extreme cycling and jumping to stunting, break-dancing, tightrope walking and other extreme circus acts, Petar has been with the Bounce group since 2014. Hailing from the Serbian city of Nis, Petar finished military school and graduated in Sport and Physical Education. He, however, had an affinity for acrobatics from his school days.
œI first learned acrobatic skills in primary school, while watching circus shows on TV. I loved break dancing and doing tricks and would practise on the streets every day doing parkour, free running, climbing up buildings and performing handstands on roofs and bridges, ? said Petar.
While performing on the streets of his hometown in Serbia, Petar met other acrobats with the same energy and love for the sport. Together they formed an acrobatic group called USB (Urban Sport Brothers). The group merged acrobatics, extreme cycling, jumping, stunting, break-dancing, tightrope walking, juggling and other extreme circus and acrobatic acts and started performing at events.
USB gained popularity and soon the group was performing all across Serbia, participating in various events in front of thousands of people. They even participated in the popular reality TV show, ?Serbia's Got Talent', where they reached the finals, captivating millions of viewers with their complex and dynamic performances. Together they completed more than 200 performances across Europe and even Gulf countries like the UAE, Oman and Qatar. It was these performances that attracted Petar to a move to the Gulf region.
œThe Middle East fascinated me and I was considering a move here somewhere in the future. One day, I was sitting with my wife and we just decided to book tickets to Dubai. It was after that that we thought about researching possible options and that's when I came upon the Bounce job ad. I felt it was tailor-made for me. But I didn't apply right away. I took a few days to record a video. I knew if they see the video, they will pick me for the job. I got a reply within two days and I scheduled my interview for the day after I would arrive in Dubai. That was it and I was proud to be the first employee of Bounce Middle East, ? he said.
Petar may have been in Qatar for only a few months to set up Bounce Qatar, but he already finds the people here friendly.
œWhile I do miss the greenery, mountains, lakes and rivers of my own country, I think the desert has its own beauty and secrets. I also like the fact that there are fantastic sports facilities here, especially a lot of water sports. Even though it has been a short while, I am very happy here and have found everyone very friendly. I can't wait to open the doors of Bounce Qatar to meet even more people from here. ?
In his role as venue manager, Petar will manage the 50-member staff, making it the second largest Bounce in the world.
œMy role is a huge one and I'm very excited about it. While my day-to-day job will be looking after the operational side of things, you will see me very often on the trampolines bouncing around and running up the walls. This gives me the opportunity to interact with customers and spread positive, fun vibes the Bounce way. ?
While acrobatics may be his forte, he is also just as much a fitness expert. To fitness enthusiasts, Petar suggests learning a handstand.
œLearn a handstand, so if your legs are tired, all you have to do is go upside-down. Jokes aside, if you want to burn some calories while having fun and relieving stress, Bounce is coming soon, so you know where to go. ?
