13th April 2013.
Photo from http://images.wikia.com/degrassi/images/0/0e/China-shanghai-circus-world.jpg
We were very keen to see some Chinese acrobats while in Shànghǎi, as they are reputed to be among the world’s best, so we headed out to Shànghǎi Circus World. The show we saw was called 'ERA Intersection of Time' as it combined traditional Chinese arts with modern technologies. Aspects of traditional arts presented included:
1. Sinan, an old Chinese invention for telling directions
2. Soothsaying
3. Conjuring
4. Fighting techniques
5. Dance
6. Chinese porcelain culture
Photography was not permitted during the show (regrettably but understandably) so here are a few photos I found on the internet that illustrate some aspects of the show we saw.
The show began with this small pole emerging from the floor and a very strong girl performing graceful acrobatics supporting herself with one hand, as the pole gradually rose higher and higher. Occasionally she switched hands, but never had two hands on the pole at the same time. Amazing. Photo from http://edythemcnamee.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/portrait03.jpg
More acrobatics:
Photo from http://img.timeoutshanghai.com/201104/20110422122355811_Medium.jpg
This man juggled a very heavy porcelain bowl, throwing it up in the air and catching it by one corner on his head. Ouch! Photo from http://www.mishanghai.org/Sites/files/640*512/file_168.jpg
This wheel rotated, faster and faster, while the acrobats leapt about on it, and there were no safety nets! Picture from http://www.smartshanghai.com/flyer/era_intersection_of_time_shanghai.jpg
Gymnasts performed routines on regular trampolines, and then on narrow strips held by two (strong) people. Every landing was a miracle. Picture from http://withoutbaggage.com/msgs/74/74035/side_74067_cJY.jpg
A young couple performed a very romantic and skilful trapeze routine, seeming to use only a couple of scarves, often supporting each other’s weight by one hand only, or, as in this case, one neck. Photo from http://cache.graphicslib.viator.com/graphicslib/media/86/forever-jpg-photo_5949574-260tall.jpg
Here they are again ….. Photo from http://images.quickblogcast.com/101364-94062/101.jpg
….. and again. Photo from http://blog.asiahotels.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/shanghai-acrobatic-troupe.jpg
How many motor bikes do you think could ride around inside this sphere at once? Would you believe eight? This includes riding upside down, no hands, intersecting at speed etc. Exhausting to watch. Photo from http://travel.mattmittelstadt.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/14-acrobats-motorbikes.jpg
This is only a small sample of this amazing show, a highlight of our visit to Shànghǎi.
With Shànghǎi having a population greater than that of Australia, we were very surprised to meet Tatyana and Yuriy from our tour at the circus, particularly as most people from the tour were on an optional visit to another venue that night. What a coincidence!
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