Thursday, April 26, 2007
Chinese acrobatic troupes are known for their wide variety of feats.
By JOHN BENSON
VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT
YOUNGSTOWN -- What began millennia ago as a form of entertainment for China's emperors now attracts thousands of American audience members every year.
For over three decades, Bill Feegan has been managing The Golden Dragon Acrobats, talented performers coming straight from the People's Republic of China.
"These are acrobats that start out about the age of 8," said Feegan, calling from Plano, Texas. "I've been to their schools, and I've seen these kids walking on their hands. In fact, that's the first thing they learn to do. They walk on their hands like we walk on our feet."
The ancient art of Chinese acrobatics is an old and long-running tradition that began in China thousands of years ago. Over its long and rich history it has developed as one of the most popular art forms among the Chinese people. While many historical records provide evidence for the development of Chinese acrobatics as far back as the Xia Dynasty (4,000 years ago), it is most commonly held that the art form did not become widely popular until approximately 2,500 years ago when it began to capture the attention of the country's powerful emperors.
Amazing feats
Today, Chinese acrobats are known for a variety of physical activity. This includes everything from simple tumbling and leaping through hoops to not only climbing up 30 feet in the air on a stack of chairs but also balancing with one hand on the top. Other acts feature girls spinning plates on long sticks, as well as backbreaking contortionists.
"Every group that comes over is slightly different," Feegan said. "There are basic things they do and each group in every city in China has their own acrobatic group. They all try to develop different things. The new thing we have this year are colorful spinning steel wheels that people are in, on top of and all around. They spin around the stage."
He added, "In the 30 years I've been booking and managing the show, this is the first group I've ever seen do that particular thing. So they try to find new ways to do physical acrobatics. Most of these folks are from ages 17 to 30. Just like baseball and basketball players, they wear out after a while."
Universal appeal
Invariably, the appeal of The Golden Dragon Acrobats is universal. That is, similar to our incessant need to peek over the guardrail at a car accident or watch reality television shows featuring regular people in unique situations, the notion of talented performers doing acrobatic feats with everyday items -- plates, cups, saucers, tables, chairs -- is something special. The Golden Dragon Acrobats are scheduled to visit Youngstown for a special show Monday at Powers Auditorium.
"It's a very physical and fast-moving show, suitable for all members of the family," Feegan said. "All ages love it; the balance, the excitement. It's an extravaganza and every act is with very colorful costumes. They do things that are very difficult and make it look real easy, like a concert pianist does the same thing. We can't do it but he or she can do it."
He added, "And we like to say, 'Don't try this at home.'"