chinese acrobatics

for over 2700 years, chinese acrobats have been astonishing audiences with their grace, beauty and physical strength. chinese acrobatics originated from the daily work, chores, battles, ceremonies, and sacrificial rites of life during the “warring states period” that lasted in china from 770-476 bc.

by 589 ad, many acrobatic feats had been perfected and routines expanded, such as the human pagoda, rope-walking, and the dancing horse. the best acrobats were registered as professional performers, many traveling far and wide with “hundred entertainments,” a huge cultural exchange program.

following the collapse of the tang dynasty, chinese society — the arts and the “hundred entertainments” included — fell into a state of confusion. the exception was acrobatics, which despite the chaos of the time continued to thrive. during this era, spinning tops and juggling with both hands and feet were added to the acrobats ever-expanding repertoire.

rulers of the ming and qing dynasties considered acrobatics “unrefined entertainment.” nevertheless, the ordinary people still loved and supported acrobats. performances were held most often at open-air festivals and regional celebrations.

centuries passed, and by 1949, this oldest of all folk art forms had evolved into a more formal, sophisticated performing art, one designed for better audience viewing and appreciation of the increasingly complex skills displayed by performers. the founding of the people's republic of china in 1950 provided for the ministry of culture of the central people's government to officially support the acrobatic arts. they formed a troupe, based in beijing, consisting of the most outstanding acrobats from the major chinese cities. each acrobat performed his or her own specialty, which had been developed after years of dedicated training. out of this beijing troupe evolved large professional troupes, which today number more than 250. these companies continue to flourish, traveling worldwide to bring the art of chinese acrobatics to an international audience, enrapturing and inspiring people of all ages, cultures and beliefs with their astonishing skills.