Wondering
what to do with the family Thanksgiving Weekend? Keep the holiday fun going
with the family-friendly performance of:
The
National Circus and Acrobats of the People's Republic of China on Saturday,
November 28, at 3:00 p.m.
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| Columbia Artists Management |
Peking Dreams is
packed with Chinese culture and history. The extravaganza incorporates Peking
Opera, the martial arts, and Chinese circus elements into an acrobatic
showcase, complete with colorful costumes, elaborate makeup, and mind-boggling
stunts. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to partake of Chinese culture in one of
Northeast Florida’s best venues. This spectacular production promises to be a hit with children and adults alike.
Family 4-packs are available for only $99 or $129!
Origins of Chinese Circus
The Chinese Circus tradition
began over 2000 years ago during the Qin Dynasty (225-207BC). The circus
evolved out of the acts of imperial court performers who were similar to court
jesters in Medieval Europe. The ancient Chinese referred to the circus as “the
show of a hundred tricks.”
Today, circus performers are
regarded with respect and admiration in China. In 1949, the People’s Republic
of China recognized Chinese Circus as an art form that was worthy of being
preserved and supported by the government. Over 200 circus and acrobatic
troupes are active in China today. Many have toured throughout the world.
The
National Circus and Acrobats of the People's Republic of China
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| Columbia Artists Management |
Founded in 1953, The National
Circus and Acrobats of the People's Republic of China, is one of the longest
running and most distinguished circus troupes in the world. The company’s
programs feature astonishing and unforgettable acts like the Great Teeterboard,
Grand Flying Trapeze, Group Contortion, Straw Hats Juggling, and other amazing
acts.
The National Circus has been
awarded over twenty Gold and Silver medals at international circus festivals
including the Monte Carlo International Circus Festival, Cirque de Demain, and
the China National Acrobatic Competition. During the 1980s, the National Circus
developed a new style of performances which did not focus on animals. China’s
National Circus has visited and performed in more than fifty countries.
Peking Dreams
Beijing is the Capitol of the
People’s Republic of China. Formerly known as Peking, the city’s history and
cultural heritage go back over a thousand years. The Forbidden City, the Summer
Palace, and the Temple of Heaven are located in Beijing, as well as significant
portions of The Great Wall. Tourists walking along the streets or strolling
through the parks of Beijing can often see natives singing and performing acrobatics.
Peking Dreams ushers audiences into an
artistic world full of culture, history, and wonder. The program features
unicycles, grand martial arts, aerial silk, solo trapeze, and other traditional
circus acts. Peking Dreams was
performed for the Beijing Olympic Games in 2008. Since then, this mesmerizing
production has been performed more than 600 times all over the world.
The Program
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| Columbia Artists Management |
Acrobatic Master and His Pupils: A Peking courtyard is bathed in bright moonlight. In the dim
light of the training room, three children formally become pupils to an
acrobatic master. Through patient teaching, the master passes his art and
tradition down to his pupils.
The Drunken Beauty: Amidst hundreds of flowers in bloom, an imperial concubine in the
Forbidden City admires the full moon while drinking. Hanging on the swing of a
trapeze, the actress performs a variety of stunts. Beneath her, the beautiful
maids of the palace perform the spinning plates.
Martial Art: Inspired by Chinese philosophy and legend, Chinese martial art
combines hard and soft elements with the philosophical principles of Yin and
Yang. Actors strike, kick, throw, and jump on stage in a jubilant manifestation
of freedom and boldness.
Solo On A Pole: This performance demonstrates the perfect combination of energy
and beauty.
Contortion With Carpets Spinning: In the Forbidden City, the Emperor and his maids drink wine and
dance. Artfully waving long sleeves, the maids sway and twirl with a tapestry.
This act is a combination of classical Chinese dance, contortion, and carpet
spinning.
Hoop Diving: Beijing is a modern city. Its inhabitants are like transient
guests passing through on their way to some other place. Young people work at a
frenetic pace which only gets faster and faster. The two performers in this act
perform with vitality as they jump through hoops – backwards, forwards, and
twisting.
Diabolo: Diabolo is one of the most well-known games in the history of China.
Initially, it was a game in the imperial palace, and then it became popular
among the common people. The Diabolo is is a juggling toy that evolved from the
Chinese yo-yo, and has been around for more than 4000 years. The Diabolo craze
swept Peking and the game continues to be popular. In this act, the Diabolo
comes alive in the hands of girls who fly backward and forward with
extraordinary quickness and grace.
Aerial Silk: A handsome boy meets a beautiful girl in Peking. From an
acquaintance to friendship, and then from friendship to love, the couple
represents a moving and romantic story. The actor and actress move and dance
with remarkable skill on colored silk high above the stage of the theater. With
tender and romantic sentiments, they gaze deeply into each other's eyes.
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| Columbia Artists Management |
Umbrellas Feet Juggling &
Hula Hoops: In autumn, the weather of
Beijing is unpredictable. Sometimes it is sunny and peaceful. At other times it
is windy and stormy. With great dexterity, the performer juggles umbrellas by
feet. This act is a great demonstration of the flexibility and beauty of the
Chinese acrobatic art.
Straw Hats Juggling: In old Peking, a rich family marries off their daughter and many
people take part in the celebration. The actors perform a variety of stunts
while holding straw hats and spinning them high in the air in this humorous and
popular part of the program.
Bicycle Stunts: This act is based on a famous Peking Opera story called The Generals of the Yang Family.
Accompanied by music and dressed in the costume of women warriors, the
acrobatic girls execute spectacular and stunning tricks on their bicycles. Like other elements in Peking Dreams, this act shows the
significance of storytelling in Chinese culture and traditions.
Balancing On High Chairs: The Great Wall is recognized throughout the world as a symbol of
Peking and China. It has stood through thousands of years of Chinese history
during which wars have been waged and dynasties have risen and fallen. In this
memorable piece, the performer flawlessly executes stunning and breathtaking
feats while balancing on stacked-up chairs.
---
“Pole balancing may have stolen the show, but
the success of Peking Dreams was
truly the culmination of the persistence, trust and passion of the entire
National Circus and Acrobats of the People’s Republic of China. The performers,
some of whom started training as early as four years old, quite literally
supported each other in weaving a dream of beauty, tradition and the impossible
on stage.”
Kimberly Armstrong, The Daily Campus, Storrs, Connecticut.
Kimberly Armstrong, The Daily Campus, Storrs, Connecticut.
“The capability and strength of the human
body is something that can be pushed to great bounds. Demonstrated by the
performers of the National Circus & Acrobats of the People’s Republic of
China, it is incredible what bodies can achieve through dedication, skill and
unwavering focus.”
Gabby Vicedomini, The Cougar’s Byte, Union, New Jersey
Gabby Vicedomini, The Cougar’s Byte, Union, New Jersey
"Peking Dreams was a concert for the eyes, as dozens of performers took to the stage...The acrobats made use of music, costumes, props, and special lighting to dazzle the crowds with fast-paced, high-flying, death defying stunts."
Donna Barton, Anniston Stat, Anniston, Alabama
Peking Dreams celebrates the history
and wonder of one of the most famous cities in the world. Don’t miss this
amazing cultural event at the Thrasher-Horne Center. Donna Barton, Anniston Stat, Anniston, Alabama
In this article, I’ve written
about the upcoming performance of Peking
Dreams by The National Circus and Acrobats of the People's Republic of
China on Saturday, November 28, at 3:00 p.m. at the Thrasher-Horne Center in
Orange Park, FL.
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The Thrasher-Horne Center has
several exciting performances coming up, including Grammy-winner Michael
McDonald on December 19th and magician Mike Super on December 26th. Check out the calendar.
The Broadway Season at the Thrasher-Horne Center begins in December. There will be six great shows including Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer, Ragtime, Always… Patsy Cline, Annie, Saturday Night Fever, and the Northeast Florida Premiere of Once. Subscriptions are on sale now on the Thrasher-Horne Center’s website.
Spread the word about one of
Northeast Florida’s best kept secrets! Tell your family and friends about the
Thrasher-Horne Center. Share this article with them. They will appreciate
learning about what they have been missing.
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