Acrobatics: More Than Entertainment
By ROWENA JOY A. SANCHEZ
from: mb.com.ph
May 8, 2012
Some members of the Grand China National Acrobatic Circus gave some teaser performances at the 'Legends of the Dragon' press conference, May 7 (Photo by ROWENA JOY A. SANCHEZ)
MANILA, Philippines - For a regular spectator, watching an acrobatic show may simply be about enjoying a form of entertainment, a welcome relief from the mundane. But in China, there’s more to these gravity-defying presentations that meet the eye.
Acrobatics is a revered art form in China, with a rich heritage that dates as far as more than two thousand years ago that deeply reflects the Chinese culture. It likewise demonstrates a number of qualities associated with the Chinese—being hard working, patient, and determined—as acrobatics entails years of practice to perfect. Performers study the craft as early as their childhood.
"An acrobatic show is about challenging the limit of the human body, to get higher, faster, to achieve something that normal people cannot achieve, to give you this breath-taking sensation," Huang Bin, Deputy Director for the Performing Arts in China, told Bulletin Entertainment and other members of the media at the press conference of the Grand China National Acrobatic Circus' latest offering, "Legends of the Dragon."
Some members of the Grand China National Acrobatic Circus were part of the grand opening number of the 2008 Beijing Olympics, which captivated audiences from various parts of the globe. They are included in the more than 40 performers that will showcase the art of acrobatics via 16 acts in "Legends," most of which have won accolades in international competitions.
It's the Grand China National Acrobatic Circus' second show in the Philippines, having performed in December 2010 for "Splendide." For their summer presentation the troupe will focus on a theme to commemorate the Year of the Dragon.
It took five months for the group to practice a single act. Notable routines include diabolo (a fusion of vivid jugglery and Peking opera), girls on speeding bicycles, and a boy on a soft steel wire. Adding more spice to the whole production is the incorporation of magic and comedy ("Swan Lake" with a twist, it is said), as well as audience engagement.
The Grand China National Acrobatic Circus is said to be the "birthplace of circus performers around the world." Similarly world-renowned ensembles such as Cirque du Soleil have, in fact, recruited some of their members. The whole group consists of 400 performers that tour the world.
"Legends of the Dragon" runs from May 8 to 13 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. For ticket inquiries, call 911-5555.
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