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Artbeat Presents New Shanghai Circus – Acrobats of China

January 23, 2015 @ 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Astonishing athletes defy gravity and execute breathtaking feats as they stretch the limits of human ability in this spellbinding show. Fearless performers with boundless energy bring you more than two thousand years of Chinese circus traditions. If it’s humanly possible – and even if it’s not! – Shanghai’s acrobats, jugglers and contortionists do it with spectacular flair.

Each year New Shanghai Circus adds new performers direct from leading Chinese circus schools, creating a revolving line-up of award-winning favorites like Human Strength & Beauty, Plates Spinning, Jar Juggler, Diabolo, Magic Clock, Butterfly Lovers and Spinning Girls.

In 1999 New Shanghai Circus became the first Chinese acrobatic troupe to perform on Broadway and were named ‘Best Foreign Production on Broadway.’

Chinese acrobatic tradition dates back to 700 B.C.; that’s over 2,000 years of tumbling, balancing and juggling. Ancient stone carvings, earthen pottery and early written work trace the ancestry of today’s spectacular acts.

The art of Chinese acrobatics developed out of the Lunar New Year harvest celebrations, where the village’s peasants and craftsmen would hold a kind of Chinese Thanksgiving. Acrobats would use household tools and common items found around the farm and workshop as part of their exciting feats.

What the Press says about New Shanghai Circus:

‘The talents of the Shanghai acrobats are beyond compare…watch these acrobats and be stunned and thrilled.’ – The Kansas City Star

‘Show-stopping rarities of daunting difficulty’ – Los Angeles Times

‘Fantastic’ – CBS News

‘The show is a beautifully orchestrated presentation of Chinese circus acts dating back to harvest festivals of 2000 years ago. This modern day performance is enhanced by fabulous choreography, amazing lighting, enchanting scenery, and powerful music.

Audience members are enthralled by astounding contortionists, masterful acrobats, and clever comedians. They see feats of incredible skill and imagination. They gasp at many of the gravity-defying feats and applaud at the the super-human displays of power and extraordinary grace.’ – The New York Times

Details

Date:
January 23, 2015
Time:
2:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Website:
http://www.alextheatre.org

Venue

Alex Theatre
216 N. Brand Blvd.
Glendale, CA 91203 United States
+ Google Map
Phone
818-243-2539
View Venue Website