Acrobatics is the integration of strength and beauty. Derived in the Spring and Autumn Period (772 BC-221 BC), acrobatics has been a part of Chinese culture for more than 2,500 years.
And since the founding of New China in 1949, the art form has been revived and won international fame in large part due to the talents of the China National Acrobatic Troupe.
On October 20, the group celebrated its 60th birthday at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, with a spectacular award-winning show.
Titled "A Letter to Mother," the program follows a pair of acrobats' growing up from art school students to laureate artists. The two, a brother and sister, express their love to mom and how they miss her, meanwhile showing their laborious pursuit of the art.
The gravity-defying spectacle features some unique acts that have been crowned domestic and international golden prizes. These acts include "Gorgeous Girls - Diabolo", a combination of diabolo skipping and catching techniques and Peking Opera's young female character performance, which won President Award at the 26th International Circus Festival of Tomorrow in France.
Another highlight in the program is "Buckjumps and Rhythm-Pagoda of Bowls." The act, which combines traditional bowl-balancing skills with breathtaking throwing and catching techniques, won the Golden Clown Award at the 28th International Circus Festival of Monte Carlo, known as the "Acrobatic Oscars."
(CNTV.cn October 23, 2010) |