Acrobatics, Beijing Acrobatics

Beijing's culture is today a complex reflection of China's history and its position in a rapidly changing world. Full of contradictions and spectacular exclamations, it's a city partially frozen in time as well as light-years ahead. As culture is everything, not just the art and grandiosity of its heyday, there is much to see, and enjoy.

Acrobatics:

The history of acrobatics in China can be traced back to the Neolithic period (more than 5,000 years ago). It is believed that acrobatics grew from self-defense skills the people practiced and demonstrated during their leisure time, but this is not certain.

Over time, acrobatics was developed into a performance art and became known worldwide through performances along the Silk Road.

Whether old or young, educated or illiterate, an appreciation simply requires you to see. There is no language barrier or cultural border.

One thinks of the Chinese saying, "one minute on a stage costs a performer ten years of training," when watching the skill and determination of Chinese acrobats.

The prestigious China Acrobatic Circus has secured another impressive feather in its cap by scooping the Golden Clown award at the 28th International Monte Carlo Circus Festival.

A series of eye-popping feats of acrobatic brilliance won over judges impressed by the 13-strong Chinese troupe's bowl-balancing, magic and dance skills.

The use of traditional red Chinese fans on stage added to the visual appeal of a stunning sequence of performances. The Golden Clown is the third top prize brought home by the China Acrobatic Circus from international contests in the past three years. In 2003, a rope walk performed by Zhang Fan won the French Republic President Award.

China Acrobatic Circus also won the Crystal Award at the French Macy International Circus Festival. Delighted circus director Sun Lili said: "More and more Chinese are now proud of our breathtaking acrobatics." Such spectacular performances can be enjoyed every evening at Universal Theatre.