Amazing high speed roller skating feat with one skater hanging by a “thread.”
Having seen the Acrobats of China Show featuring the New Shanghai Circus perform in Branson many times over the past 12 years, most recently on March 24, 2014, it is easy to see why the title for this show is commonly prefaced with either of the adjectives, “amazing” or “incredible” when mentioned. In a town known for its music shows, it stands alone for its uniqueness, acrobatics, color, action, excitement and broad audience appeal. It is one of only a handful of Branson’s excellent shows that is designed to simultaneously hold the interest of children and adults from the time the curtain raises until the final cast call.
The show’s action packed opening, featuring most of the cast members, has everything from tumbling and acrobatics to a Chinese Dragon and is one of the most colorful, exciting and fast paced openings I have ever seen and sets the stage for what is to come. And what comes is one act after another, each with its own introduction, choreography, colorful costuming and performers doing amazing things at a level of skill that is simply incredible.
I know that moving from one act to another is not an exciting thing, but with the number of different acts in this show it could have been a drag especially for children. Fortunately, not in this case. In fact, the way each act seamlessly transitions from one to the other, with no dead time in between, is handled with the same skill and precision that the performers demonstrate in their individual acts.
High flying Hoop acrobatics.
Acrobats of China includes many acts that most people have never seen before as well as acts such as high flying silks, juggling, hoop diving, contortion, human strength and chair stacking, but the Acrobats of China perform them in their own unique manner with a skill set so amazing that it is new and exciting and like you are experiencing it for the first time. I am amazed as I watch them perform each year, recognize the same skill in the act, but am seeing it presented in a different, fresh and innovative way that has me thoroughly invested in the performance.
Many of us have witnessed “Chair Stacking” acts, but how often have you witnessed one where the chairs were stacked about 30 feet high and the performer puts a bench on top, makes two stacks of “coke” sized cans, four cans tall and does a hand stand on top of them. Oh, and did I mention, he then does a “hand drop” from the top of the cans down to the bench on top of the stacked chairs.
As unexciting as they might appear when simply named, three of my favorite acts the Diabolo, Duo Table Skating and Bowel Flipping are incredibly exciting and unbelievable as they are performed in this show. The Diabolo is the Chinese yoyo. It seems like it would be hard enough to keep one of them moving on the string let alone having a troupe of acrobats dancing as they work them in synchronization throwing them back and forth, high into the air and doing other amazing things. It is truly an beautiful thing to see.
The audience just loved the Roller Skating act performed within a six foot diameter raised circle by two ladies. From the delicate intricate toe “candle skate” to high speed drama, with one hanging by her neck from the neck of the other, twisting horizontally to the ground as she was twirled around at high speed. As is the case with so many acts in this show, it was as breathtaking as it was beautiful, exciting and dangerous.
I have never witnessed anything as amazing as the “Bowl Flipping” act in this show. The performer is balancing on a rolling teeterboard on top of a table as he flips bowels to the top of his head using the board. When he was going for the fourth bowel I thought, “He’ll never make it, but he did.” I know is sounds simple and unexciting, but trust me on this one, it is about as exciting as it gets and it is anything, but simple.
In terms of precision, skill, color, pageantry, action, costuming, grace, beauty and elegance throughout its entirety, this is a show that is unique in Branson and will simultaneously entertain every member of the family. For additional information or tickets for the Acrobats of China or any of Branson’s other shows, attractions and activities or for lodging arrangements please contact the Branson Tourism Center, one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services. BTC may be reached by either calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.
