Funday Times

The Chinese Acrobatic Circus
By Esther Williams
Been to the Chinese acrobatic circus? Weren't the juggling and balancing acts simply amazing? The artistes, 40 in all, from age groups 14 - 25 belong to the Deyang Acrobatic Troupe that comes from the Sichuan Province of China. All of them had graduated from the Acrobatic Training School that enrols students from ages six or five.

The school is a residential school, where students are trained in acrobatics and academics simultaneously. "It takes around six years for a student to be ready to perform," explains Assistant Manager of the team, Tinghe. Since it started in 1980, the school has trained over 300 artistes in various aspects of acrobatics. They now have over four troupes that travel around the world.

The high energy dances and acrobatics, enhanced with dramatic lighting and spectacular costumes paid rich tribute to the historical elements of the Chinese people and culture. Chinese melodies were played and a number of beautiful traditional handicrafts such as porcelain, dragons and lions were used as stage props to reflect this.

How hard is their period of training? Artistes follow a strict rigorous routine of practising everyday; Tinghe explains adding that they are trained step by step as in other sports. Best of all they have no diet restrictions. When not on tour, they practice just from nine to five each day leaving them free to do whatever they wish in the evenings.

So far the troupes have travelled to over 40 countries in Europe, Australia and Asia. Their manager, cook, trainer, sound technician, electrician and translator travel with them. As for their costumes and equipment, it is made by their in house designers.

What of the risks their work presents? The Company has life and medical insurance for all their members. Hence, in the event of an accident, the company pays for their wages for the rest of their lives. However, to ensure utmost protection, precautions are taken as seen at the circus - those working at heights or at risky positions have cables extended from the roof attached to them. Further their technicians check their roof and equipment every week.

Travelling with a team, the acrobatics seem to enjoy trips. All participants are proficient in more than one feat and they are required to work as a team for all the group items. Having training for so long, they are familiar with all their cues. Besides touring with the troupe, all participants are encouraged to participate at annual cultural festivals - both national and international.

He Hai Yan (18) who does the balancing acts and several other astonishing feats, takes pleasure in performing with the troupe. "I have always wanted to be an acrobat," smiles the oriental beauty. Looking doll-like in her costume, she says that the acts that she performs are simply part of her normal routine, having performed them from an early age. Not sure about what she wants to do in the future; she is concentrating on enjoying the present where she gets to visit new places and be exposed to new cultures. An only child, she visits her parents once every year.

Jumping through hoops and doing the lion dance is the most exciting part of his job, says the agile Dong Xen (20). He has trained at the school since he was six and seems completely at home with the company. "I just get very hungry after performances and I eat more," he laughs when asked how he feels after a show. "I do worry about getting hurt," he admits. He has enjoyed going to Pinnewela and Kandy.

The troop after their schedule here in Colombo will return to Beijing to perform for international tourists.

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