Chinese Acrobatics on the 16th

Chinese acrobatic show refers to performance of extraordinary feats in balance, agility and motor coordination. It can be found in most of the performing arts, and in many sports. Chinese acrobatic show is often associated with activities that make extensive use of gymnastic skills, such as circus, and gymnastics, while other athletic activities, like martial arts, ballet and diving, may also employ elements of acrobatics. Items in Chinese acrobatic show include the universally recognized Lion Dance, oral stunts, pagoda of bowls, juggling, wire walking etc.

As one of the traditional art forms, Chinese acrobatic show has long been popular among the Chinese people for more than 2,000 years. As early as the Warring States (476B.C.-221B.C.), there appeared rudiments of acrobatics. By the time of Han Dynasty, Chinese acrobatic show further developed both in content and form and there appeared superb performances with music accompaniment on the stage, such as pole climbing, role walking, and five tables, etc. In Tang Dynasty, the number of acrobats greatly increased and their performing skills gained much improvement. In Dunhuang Mural Paintings, there are images of Chinese acrobatic show. The ancient acrobatics came from people’s daily life and labor. Tools like tridents and wicker and utilities like tables, chairs and bowl were widely used in performances. At festivals, people often performed flying trident, balance on chair, jar tricks, hoop diving, lion dance at the market places or in the street. In the long course of development, Chinese acrobatic show has formed its own style. For example, it pays much attention to the training of actors’ waist, leg and head skills.

The balance and stability are paid much attention while pulling off dangerous stunts in Chinese acrobatic show. The modern acrobatics aim at creating graceful stage images, harmonious musical accompaniment, and good supporting effects, props and lighting. In the past 50 years, many Chinese acrobatic troupes have visited more than one hundred countries and regions around the world and won dozens of prizes in the International acrobatic festivals and championships. As a metropolis, Shanghai is an ideal place to enjoy Chinese acrobatic show. Shanghai Acrobatic Troupe boasts as China’s top performance troupe. It is famous for its excellent skills, dare-devil performance and the harmonious combination of various kinds of performing arts. So do not miss the chance to watch the Chinese acrobatic show while you are in Shanghai. It will be worth your while and blow your mind!