A BALLERINA pirouettes on the shoulder of her partner then dances on pointe on his head.
It can only be the Chinese State Circus, one of the most spectacular shows that you are likely to see in a theatre.
The company arrives in Halifax next month as part of a 53 date national tour.
It brings with it to the Victoria Theatre a new show, Yin Yang which seems to sum up perfectly what this remarkable company strives to do – show “the interaction of two energies in a dynamic system of balance”.
The circus will be at Halifax on Wednesday, February 13 and Thursday February 14.
The company is delighted to feature the formidable Shaolin Warrior known only as “The One”, a Kung Fu master sought out specifically for the show by its director Phillip Gandey.
The Chinese State Circus was an idea started back in the 1990’s after Phillip saw a group of Oriental acrobats performing to great acclaim at the Monte Carlo Circus Festival.
He was astounded at the quality, depth and sheer diversity of such Chinese acrobatic troupes. After working out the logistics of transporting 45 artistes, plus directors, interpreters and five tonnes of props half-way around the world – the rest as they say is history!
And there is about 2,000 years of it. For the show embodies a traditional art form which can trace its history back over centuries.
The work of the Chinese State Circus showcases the best acrobats defying gravity in an array of elaborate, explosive and highly choreographed presentations of power, poise and agility.
Yin Yang will not only keep the audience on the edge of their seats but show the more delicate and beautiful side of Chinese tradition with plate spinning, parasol juggling and the eye catching Lion Dance.
The show also features the legendary Bicycle Act in which 10 performers manoeuvre onto a single bicycle.
But perhaps one of the highlights of the show for many will be the performance of the You Tube and internet sensation The Oriental Swan which is described as “a breath-taking fusion of ballet, physical strength, balance and inspiring creativity.”
This is where the ballerina stands on her partner’s shoulders, pirouettes and finally dances on pointe on his head. Aerial ballet as you’ve possibly never seen it before.
But the company isn’t finished there. It also has performers who foot juggle with drums or work with the famous Chinese poles.
There is an eye-watering but sensational contortionist and the dynamic hoop divers with their amazing somersaults, leaps and jumps which make this an all-action packed programme.
There is no narrative, just a seamless flow of one extraordinary performance into another.
All of this is accompanied live by an all-girl group of musicians.
The show is suitable for an audience of all ages and features evocative sets, a soaring musical score and extravagant new costumes.
This is entertainment for the whole family.
Tickets from the box office on 01422 351158 or from the website, www.victoriatheatre.co.uk
