Bullwhip Expert Cracks World Record

It is official: Guinness World Records has announced that Minneapolis-based bullwhip performer Robert Dante has set a new world record for 'Most Bullwhip Cracks in One Minute.'

Dante cracked a 6-foot bullwhip 214 times in 60 seconds in September to break his year-old record of 203 cracks. The comprehensive Guinness confirmation process delayed ratification of the new record until this week as officials studied videos and affidavits.

The record-breaking performance took place on the main stage of the Third Annual Spirit of the West Festival in Sioux Falls, SD, in front of approximately 100 spectators on Sunday, Sept. 19, 2004, on the 50th anniversary of the establishment of Guinness World Records. Using a bullwhip made by Australian whip cracking champion Mike Murphy, Dante achieved his goal on the third try, according to affidavits provided by event coordinator Walt Pattison, rodeo star Lariat Mike Woolridge, performer Beverlie Dakota Rose Griffin, and whip maker Adam Winrich.

Dante presents whip shows at cabarets, clubs, and Wild West events with his partner Tina in the Twin Cities area. Dante and Tina will be featured at The 16th Annual Mondo Jugglefest in St. Paul on Feb. 18-20, with two whip performing workshops and a cabaret-style performance. Dante and Tina also will be special guests at the MarsCon Science Fiction Convention in Bloomington, MN on March 4-6.

Dante is founder of the Minneapolis Bullwhip Academy, which offers weekly bullwhip lessons and whip cracking sessions for sports enthusiasts, hobbyists of all ages, and variety performers.