New York City sword swallower Gin Minsky gained significant attention after sharing a video of herself swallowing an 18-inch sword. The footage, recorded at Columbia University Medical Center in Midtown East, depicts the sword navigating her throat and has garnered over 500,000 views on social media platforms.
The video is part of Columbia’s Center for Voice and Swallowing’s educational series, where medical experts demonstrate throat functions in various artists, including musicians. Dr. Michael Pitman, chief of the division of laryngology at Columbia, performed a laryngoscopy on Minsky to illustrate the internal mechanics involved in sword swallowing.
Minsky has been practicing sword swallowing since being trained in 2017 and often performs at venues such as Duane Park and Bathtub Gin in the city. She has reported no serious injuries from her performances, although she experiences discomfort when consuming spicy foods before a show.
The video serves to counter skepticism about the authenticity of sword swallowing as a skill. Minsky, a resident of Bed-Stuy and also a burlesque performer, expressed hope that the clip will validate the art form to its critics.
- Why it matters: This video highlights unique performance arts, promoting awareness and understanding of lesser-known skills. It also reflects the intersection of entertainment and medical insight, providing educational value to audiences.
- The latest: The video is trending online and has opened discussions about the safety and performance techniques involved in sword swallowing.
Source: https://nypost.com/2025/09/20/lifestyle/nyc-sword-swallower-goes-viral-for-video-of-what-inside-of-her-throat-looks-like-while-performing/
Source: https://nypost.com/2025/09/20/lifestyle/nyc-sword-swallower-goes-viral-for-video-of-what-inside-of-her-throat-looks-like-while-performing/