'Golden Dragons' bring Chinese acrobatics to stage
For more than 2,500 years, Chinese acrobats have been creating human pyramids, balancing various objects on their hands and feet, and presenting the seemingly impossible limits of human contortion.
The Golden Dragon Acrobats are the evolution of the art form. They're the self-described premiere company that has performed the traditional acts in all 50 states and traveled to 65 countries. In November 2005, they made their Broadway debut at the New Victory Theatre to a sold-out audience. And this year will mark the company's 30th anniversary of continuous touring in the United States.
Yet, in all that time, of all the places the Golden Dragons have displayed their acrobatic prowess, Boston has never hosted a show. Never.
"Umm, you'll have to talk to our manager about that," says Company Manager Eric Liang.
Well, at least it wasn't personal.
The Golden Dragon Acrobats will (finally) make their Boston debut at Symphony Hall on Jan. 13, bringing 10 traditional acts that still have the ability to captivate audiences around the world.
"The first time I saw the show, I think I was 16," says Liang. "It's always exciting and never gets old. I think that's because, even when the performers learn the tricks, there's always a chance for mistakes on stage and the audience ends up holding their breath during the show."
You'll be holding your breath too when you witness the acrobats stack chairs 30 feet high (and then do a hand stand on them), or when they perform a new act called "Pas De Deix (Ballet Duo)" which defies explanation (Liang did his best by saying a "guy and a girl do a ballet on top of their shoulders…it's really hard to explain").
The group hails from Hebei, China, and consists of 17 performers ranging in age from 15 to 25, many of whom began their training at the tender age of 5.
"All the performers are from mainland China," explains Liang. "They start their basic training at a young age. When they are 8 or 9, they pick their specialty, which can be chairs, straps … it depends on your ability."
Despite the extensive training, Liang admits that accidents do still occur on stage and lists a variety of injuries such as broken toes, arms and falling off bikes (that's in the finale - the bikes, not the falling).
Before you accuse them of not practicing enough, understand that their motto is "making the impossible possible" and when you have goals that lofty, you're going to slip up every now and again (and it's rare).
The earliest evidence of Chinese acrobatics dates back to the Warring States Period (475 BC -221 BC) when performers started using bowls, tables, chairs and plates in their acts. Later, the "Hundred Plays" incorporated music. Soon, these performances were done in front of royalty and, as families passed on their skills, the tradition grew.
Today, the show preserves the traditions of the ancient art, but as choreographer Angela Chang admits, sometimes that's a challenge.
"Using traditional music is a great way to introduce people to new instruments and a different kind of music," says Chang. "But sometimes Chinese music is too slow for the show and for certain acts, it has to be faster."
Chang, who has been with the show for 25 years, says that bringing China's culture to the West, especially for people who haven't visited the country, is a great thrill and that the performers are always excited to answer questions from inquisitive patrons after the show.
Although 60 percent of the performers are new to the group, Chang says everyone has turned into a family, mostly out of necessity since the heavy touring schedule doesn't permit frequent visits home (they're home one month out of the year).
But, ironically, while these performers are away from their families, they're helping to bring families together at their shows.
"Right now, the new generation is so busy and there's less time for parents to connect with their children.," explains Chang. "Our show is something the entire family, no matter what age group, can enjoy. And as long as we're still standing, we'll still do this show."
Golden Dragon Acrobats