The beauty and dynamic power of ancient Chinese acrobatics comes to the Edmonds Center for the Arts March 12 and 13 with the athletes, actors and artists of the Golden Dragon Acrobats.
The ancient art of Chinese acrobats is a tradition that began in China more than 3,000 years ago. Over its long and rich history it has developed as one of the most popular art forms among the Chinese people. While historical accounts provide evidence for the development of Chinese acrobatics as far back as the Xia Dynasty (4,000 years ago), it is believed 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. Since those early times, acrobatics have evolved into various forms of popular performance including dance, opera, martial arts, and sports.
The Golden Dragon Acrobats performance features death-defying pole drops, masterful juggling, performers perched on top of a 30-foot stack of chairs and martial artists.
Direct from Hebei, China, the troupe’s 25 members are athletes, actors and artists who have studied and trained for their craft since early childhood. Led by founder, producer, director and former performer Danny Chang, the company has visited all 50 states including performances at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, as well as 65 countries on five continents. Celebrating 27 centuries of artistic excellence, the 2008 tour marks the 30th anniversary of touring in the United States for the Golden Dragon Acrobats.
The troupe has garnered international acclaim including the National Association of Campus Activities (NACA) Entertainer of the Year Award and the Campus Activities Today’s Performer of the Year Award. In November 2005, the Golden Dragon Acrobats made their Broadway debut to a sold out audience at the New Victory Theater, a New York theater for children and families.
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