Drowned Madonna: Hi Levi, welcome to DrownedMadonna.com! Our readers know about Parkour mostly because of Madonna. What is parkour?

Levi Meeuwenberg: Parkour is an art of movement, some consider a discipline, where traceurs (parkour practitioners) use their natural and man made surroundings as an obstacle course. The object is to move in the quickest and most efficient way possible and can combine running, jumping, climbing, vaulting, and more. No equipment is required except a decent pair of sneakers.

DM: What is NOT parkour?

LM: Flips and acrobatic tricks are not considered parkour, nor is recklessly jumping off things. Also parkour is not a competition or an extreme sport.

DM: What are the differences with Freerunning?

LM: Freerunning is a related discipline that incorporates some of the standard movements from parkour. Instead of using them purely to surmount obstacles, they are also used to create beautiful and flowing movement. The focus of freerunning is to move freely and find your own way through your environment. Typically freerunning can include flips and acrobatic tricks.

DM: How and when was parkour born?

LM: Parkour originated in France in the 80s inspired by military obstacle course exercises. For many years a small group (including Sebastien Foucan) trained together and developed the discipline further. Eventually they were featured numerous times in the media and Parkour began to spread across Europe and soon to the US. A major catalyst for this growth was the Internet, which brought the small communities of enthusiasts together.

DM: Today, parkour is becoming very popular... why?

LM: This is a tough question because there are so many different reasons that I see causing it. First of all, the first time you see an experienced person practicing it's very impressive and beautiful. Parkour combines the gracefulness of dance with the power of athletics. Secondly, it pushes the boundaries of what we are capable. Some of the movements at first seems impossible without special effects or wires, and this can inspire people to push themselves more. Another reason is that you don't need any special or expensive equipment so it's easy to try it out. It's an easy way to stay in shape and it makes a typical run more fun and interesting. Finally it gives one a distinct sense of freedom that's difficult to capture with words.

DM: Why did you start practicing parkour?

LM: Well, at first I started getting into gymnastics just as a hobby, but soon after that, a friend of mine showed me parkour. We began practicing together and I did more research into it online. My enthusiasm for it grew and here I am still doing it seriously today. Pretty much, I do it because it's just so much fun.

DM: What did you feel performing with Madonna on stage for her Confessions Tour?

LM: Towards the beginning of the tour I would get a huge surge of adrenaline before I went on stage, and this actually tired me out more. But soon I was able to relax and just have fun with it. In certain cities I could feel the energy from the audience and it gave me a natural high. But most of the time I had to be focused so I couldn't let my mind wander. In later shows I was able to get in the zone while performing ''Jump''. I just let my body take over and before I knew it, the number was finished. Though, the whole experience had a surreal sentiment running through it because of the scale of what was going on.

DM: What's the your favourite city you have toured?

LM: I loved so many of the cities we visited, but if I had to chose one I'd say Rome, and I think many would agree there. Rome is a place with stunningly beautiful and friendly people, wonderful food, and dazzling architecture; a historic, charming, and radiant city.

DM: What's your favourite Madonna's song?

LM: I'd have to say that the original version of ''Ray of Light'' is my favorite.

DM: Thanks you so much Levi.

LM: Thanks!