Interested in Traditional Chinese Acrobatics but don't have a chance to watch a live performance? Crazy about Chinese Kong-fu (Martial Arts) but never witness the magic in person? Now it comes the great chance--the famous Chongqing Acrobatic Troupe will pay a good will visit to the FSM and perform traditional Chinese acrobatics in the China-FSM Friendship Sports Center of the COM-FSM Campus Pohnpei, FSM, on June 8 and June 9, 2010. Everybody is welcome and admission is free.
Chinese acrobatics, which embraces a variety of skills, has had a long history as a traditional performing art. In the ancient times, it was called Zaji. In the early stages of evolution of culture, acrobatics was treated on par with music and dance, and it was an important aspect of culture. During the Han Dynasty (206 BC—220 BC) and the Tang Dynasty (618 BC—907 BC) acrobatics was very popular and it prospered along with music and dance. In the late Ming Dynasty and the early Qing Dynasty, acrobatics was introduced abroad and was highly appreciated by the people all over the world.
To become a Chinese acrobat demands years of dedication and rigorous practice. Youngsters aspiring to be part of professional troupes begin their training as early as four or five-year-olds. Apart from the spectacular show of flexibility, fluidity, and aesthetic beauty, Chinese Acrobatics are also characterised in strong physical training, balance between movement and quietness, flexibility and strength, nimble and swift movements and adaptation to environment, which are exactly the prominent features of the Chinese Kong-fu. In this regard, all acrobats are martial arts masters. Besides all the stunning skills and techniques that Chinese acrobats will bring on, it will provide a great opportunity for the people of the FSM to better understand the Chinese culture, especially the ages-old connotations of "peace and harmony" that the performances will convey to the audience.
The Chongqing Acrobatic Art Troupe is one of the earliest and best acrobatic art groups in China. Ever since it was founded in 1951, it has formulated an innovative performance style which helped the Troupe won a great reputation not only in China but also in international arena through the years. In order to promote the cultural exchange and enhance the friendly relations between China and the rest of the world, the Troupe has been touring around the world to perform for the local people. It has been to all the five Continents, and performed in 400 cities in 70 different countries and regions. And now, they are coming here with us!
With the theme "China Impression Across the Pacific", the Chongqing Acrobatic Art Troupe has been touring and performing in different pacific island countries during the past years. At the invitation of the Chinese Embassy in the Federated States of Micronesia and sponsored by the Ministry of Culture of the People's Republic of China, the Troupe will lead a 14-member delegation to the FSM and perform for two consecutive days in Pohnpei. All those programs most interested by us are on the list, i.e., martial arts, top technology, strength, shaking board and lifting bowls, straw hat, plate spinning, jar tricks, jujitsu, geosphere and etc.. Don't forget to pass this good news down to your family members, friends, neighbours, classmates and everyone you know. It should be unprecedentedly crowded in the Gym that day, so try to be the early birds for available seats!
Location: COM, China-FSM Friendship Sports Center
Time: Tuesday, June 8, 2010 6:30-8:00 pm
Wednesday, June 9, 2010 3:00-4:30 pm
Tickets: Free Admission