Acrobatics is part of a deep cultural tradition in China, and The Peking Acrobats (3/9) have been a storied part of this legacy for nearly 40 years. Their astounding performances feature world-class gymnasts, jugglers, cyclists, and tumblers, providing a gravity-defying spectacle with amazing displays of contortion, flexibility, and control—all accompanied by live musicians who skillfully play traditional Chinese instruments.
The training to join this legendary troupe can be intense. Some families send their children to special acrobatics schools as young as age six, where they learn juggling, martial arts, tumbling, and dance, in addition to traditional subject matter. Mastering the handstand can be one of the most rigorous parts of the curriculum. According to Cal Performances’ SchoolTime Study Guide for the Peking Acrobats:
“An acrobat trains in progressive steps from basic to advanced handstands… Beginning students begin by doing handstands against a wall. In three to six months, they build up to a half hour of wall handstands… [the] body becomes stronger until at last students are able to hold the free handstand… After the initial two-year training, only a few acrobats specialize in the handstand. However, handstand training is essential to all acrobatic work, due to the role it plays in strengthening the body, mind and spirit.”
The Peking Acrobats have made countless appearances on TV shows and in movies, including Ellen, Nickelodeon’s Unfabulous, The Wayne Brady Show, ABC’s Wide World of Sports, and even in the Ocean’s 11 movies, which featured troupe member Shaobo Qin playing contortionist Yen.
We hope you’ll join in the fun for this impressive spectacle! The Peking Acrobats perform Sunday, March 9 at 1* p.m.and 5 p.m. (*audio described) in the Center for the Arts. Get tickets.