Cyprus dancer breaks Guinness record balancing 511 wine glasses on head

A 64-year-old Cypriot professional dancer has broken the Guinness World Record by balancing 511 wine glasses on his head, the official record-keeping organisation announced this week.

Aristotelis Valaoritis achieved the feat last month, surpassing his previous record of 319 glasses set in 2023. The glasses weighed a combined total of over 63 kilograms, with each glass weighing approximately 123 grams.

Valaoritis has worked as a professional glass dancer since 1995, entertaining customers at restaurants and events.

Professional entertainer improves on previous 319-glass achievement

“I like doing this,” Valaoritis said following his 2023 record. “I see the faces of spectators full of tension and anxiety as if they are watching a movie.”

Family members and friends assisted in arranging the wine glasses into a stable block, separated by eight sheets of plywood. The structure was positioned on his head using a lifting device.

Once the wooden platform was in place, Valaoritis “grabbed both sides of the tray and carefully straightened his back” to distribute the full weight across his head, according to Guinness World Records documentation.

Record attempt required 63 kilograms of glassware and precise technique

After securing the glasses, Valaoritis extended his arms in a bow before removing his hands from the tray, leaving the entire weight supported solely by his head.

“For 15 seconds, the 511 wine glasses remained unassisted on his head,” whilst Valaoritis swayed gently to maintain balance and prevent spillage.

The performer said he accepted the record challenge “to show that I still have the ability and passion for what I do”.

“With dedication and training, I managed to achieve exactly what I had set as a goal… [And] above all, I am proud to present this tradition,” he stated.