Philippe Petit

Philippe Petit, a distinguished high wire artist, was born in France and began his wire-walking journey at the age of 16. Self-taught and expelled from five schools, Petit mastered several languages including Spanish, German, Russian, and English, fostering a deep appreciation for architecture and engineering. His multifaceted talents extend into theatre, music, writing, poetry, drawing, magic, and even engineering, making him a unique figure in the performing arts.

On August 7, 1974, Petit famously performed a high wire walk between the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center in New York, an unauthorized feat that involved making eight crossings above the city. This event is detailed in his book "To Reach the Clouds," which served as the basis for the Academy Award-winning documentary "Man on Wire" and the feature film "The Walk," directed by Robert Zemeckis. Petit's artistic pursuit has seen him perform over 100 times internationally in cities like Paris, Tokyo, and Jerusalem. He has also been an artist-in-residence at The Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine in New York City for over three decades.

Petit has authored ten books, including "Why Knot? How to Tie More than Sixty Ingenious, Useful, Beautiful, Life-Saving, and Secure Knots!" and "Creativity: The Perfect Crime." His latest endeavor, the Rapa Nui Walk, involves a high wire walk on an inclined cable at Easter Island, paying tribute to the Rapa Nui culture. Philippe continues to teach through his series of high wire master classes, "Tightrope! An Exploration into the Theatre of Balance."

In addition to his wire-walking career, Petit engages in a variety of activities including close-up magic, lock-picking, 18th-century timber framing, and chess. He shares his rich experiences from a life of diverse pursuits like pickpocketing, barn building, and bullfighting. He frequently addresses themes of passion, creativity, risk-taking, and meticulous preparation, which resonate in both personal and professional contexts.

Petit's keynotes like "On the High Wire" and "Creativity for the Fanatic" blend his storytelling skills with practical insights, making his sessions impactful. His ability to engage deeply with his audience has established him as a sought-after speaker in various circles, inspiring others to pursue their dreams with tenacity and intuition.