In China, acrobats are revered much as prima ballerinas or opera
singers are revered in the West, and it takes years of rigorous
training to achieve the excellence demanded by this ancient art
form. Children hoping to become acrobats begin their training
as young as four or five years old. Specific training with an
acrobat troupe may begin by the age of eight. The basics - balancing,
tumbling, dancing, flexibility, and strength are taught in the
first two years, and students spend the next three to five years
perfecting specific acts. Eventually, they will do their first
performances when they reach the age of sixteen or seventeen.
The art of Chinese acrobatics combines both physically and
spiritually. Coupled with an acrobat's immense athletic strength
and impeccable balance and timing is Chi Kung - the Asian philosophy
of inner strength , which focuses the body and mind to work in
perfect harmony. Each individual acrobat's physical and
philosophical strength combines with that of the fellow members
of his or her troupe in magnificent displays of balancing,
juggling, dance, comedy and magic.
The Cangzhou Acrobats of the People's Republic of China come from
Wuqiao, in the Cangzhou Prefecture in southeastern Hebei Province
near Beijing. Wuqiao is known as the "Home of Acrobats" in China
and holds the Wuqiao International Acrobatic Art Festival every
other year. Established in 1956, the Cangzhou Acrobatic Troupe
has more than 90 performers and workers. It has given performances
in Holland, Belgium, the former Soviet Union, Germany, France, the
United States, South Africa, Australia, Japan, Hong Kong and Malaysia.
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The Chinese Golden Dragon Acrobats have become the world's leading
Chinese acrobatic troupe, bringing their company from Cangzhou,
Hebei province in China to all 50 states and over 65 countries on
five continents. The members of the Golden Dragon Acrobats are actors,
athletes, and artists, with an unmistakable love for their art. Their
spellbinding feats are physically daring, yet graceful. The
performance is enhanced by elaborate traditional costumes in brilliant
colors. The combination of ancient and contemporary theatrical techniques
continues to enthrall audiences of all ages.
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