Shangri-La Chinese Acrobats Tumble into Huntsville Tuesday

THE SHANGRI-LA CHINESE ACROBATS offers more than a glimpse into the fascinating Orient. It consists of sensational Chinese acrobatics, balancing feats, martial arts displays, and much more. A truly oriental spectacular and a show for all ages, the grace and precision of the acrobats are the triumph of years of dedicated training and discipline, but their art has been formed by centuries of tradition. Chinese acrobatics are in fact much more than just a series of stunts. Most of these acts clearly demonstrate the achievement of perfection through finding harmony between mind and body ~ an ancient concept in the Orient.

This sensational group has performed throughout South America, Central America, Southeast Asia, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Monte Carlo, Canada, New Zealand, Israel, Canada and the United States. In the early days they burst upon the American stage, appearing with celebrities such as LIBERACE while playing casinos in Las Vegas, Lake Tahoe and Reno. Besides appearing on many TV specials, THE SHANGRI-LA CHINESE ACROBATS have also been seen on the Family Channel’s “Home & Family Show,” hosted by Christina Ferrari, KTLA’s “Good Morning ~ LA,” New York One News, CNN where they were interviewed by Christiane Amanpour and Calgary’s “Big Breakfast” morning show on the A-Channel. They have met many celebrities and dignitaries over the years, including former President Jimmy Carter and his wife, Roslyn.

On their annual sold-out theatre tours, THE SHANGRI-LA CHINESE ACROBATS astound audiences with their incredible talents night after night in city after city. The incredible response of the audience is a testament to the popularity of their unique brand of entertainment. The performers enjoy traveling the world, sharing their ancient art with audiences young and old. From major performing arts venues to colleges and universities, this versatile and fun attraction thrills audiences with their death-defying dexterity and skill! 2004 marks the Silver Anniversary of THE SHANGRI-LA CHINESE ACROBATS coming to America…25 years of incredible success which they celebrate with you today! So sit back, relax and be transported by these incredible performers to the mystical land of “Shangri-La” where anything is possible…and illusion becomes reality!

Regarding the History, Philosophy and Life of Chinese Acrobats

As the cultural and political center of China, Beijing houses political institutions, prestigious universities, art museums and theatres. China, Beijing in particular, has a long and rich theatre history, dating back centuries to the Shang dynasty (1523-1028 B.C.). In this period, “seers” performed ceremonial songs and dances to honor the gods, invoking them to drive out pestilence; cause crops to be abundant; or create other “miracles.” By the Han dynasty (around 202 B. C.) court entertainments were very popular. Clowns, wrestlers, acrobats, singers and musicians entertained emperors and their attendants by acting out mythical stories and famous fables. These entertainments were the precursors of Peking Opera, which is a multifaceted art form, unlike Western Opera. Peking Opera combines singing, dancing, acrobatics, martial arts, pantomime, highly stylized acting, costume, make-up and more to create fantastic stage productions.

The fundamental belief of Chinese theatre-goers is that theatre, at best, should be an illusion of life. Good Chinese theatre must show the real struggle of humans to succeed and survive as well as the joys of living. THE SHANGRI-LA CHINESE ACROBATS® take part of the philosophy of Peking Opera and brings it to the world. Acrobatics as an art form displays the grace, beauty, strength and agility of the human race. In their performances, THE SHANGRI-LA CHINESE ACROBATS make feats of the seemingly impossible, possible right before your very eyes! To be able to do this, however, requires a lot of dedication, determination and years of study and practice.

In China, being selected to become an acrobat is an honor and brings with it a great deal of prestige and the possibility of travel for their children, so parents encourage their children to audition for acrobatic schools. However, this is also a great sacrifice for parents and students. If selected, the acrobatic school they attend will often be far away from family, friends, and the lives with which the students were familiar. Once selected to attend a special acrobatic school, students take their general education classes in the morning hours. In the afternoon, they will practice gymnastics, juggling, martial arts and the dynamics of balance, speed and timing to perfect their craft - the students do this every day, six days a week! Most acrobats begin their life in art at around age 6, but are not selected to become part of a professional performing troupe until around age 10. Imagine – being chosen for a professional troupe and traveling the world at 10 years old! While on tour, the acrobat will see many corners of the globe and will meet new and different people.

THE SHANGRI-LA CHINESE ACROBATS are representatives of their country and art, and they take great pride in being selected to perform for audiences like you! THE SHANGRI-LA CHINESE ACROBATS is directed by the Hai family, who are very famous acrobats in China and the US. Their clan boasts three generations of acrobatic tradition! This troupe will astound, amaze and inspire you, while at the same time providing a taste of Chinese culture - bringing us a little closer to mutual understanding between all peoples!

THE SHANGRI-LA CHINESE ACROBATS®

The Reviews Are In From Across The Country!

“THE SHANGRI-LA CHINESE ACROBATS perform astounding feats with seeming ease that belies their intense concentration!” ~ The New York Post ~

“…It’s hard to avoid being impressed by their dynamics! They acquire a dignity and poise which is almost religious in its intensity. When this grace is joined by the delicate, smiling charm of the Chinese, the result is irresistible!” ~ The San Diego Union ~

“…A delight for all ages flurry of pure showmanship! There’s an ebullient, ingratiating appeal in all this frantic action that astonishes the first time and goes on giving on repeated viewings!” ~ The San Francisco Chronicle ~

“It’s an enthralling show! Clearly off beat with an enchantment all its own. You’ve seen dancers and acrobats before, but these are just different enough to be worth another look!” ~ The Cleveland Press ~

"The evening is a splash of color, motion, and sound I couldn't believe that two hours could pass that quickly, or be that much fun." ~ Thalian Hall Center for the Performing Arts ~

"Excellent booking support and high quality publicity materials. A first-rate act that left the audience amazed. Book this act if you haven't already!" ~ SUNY/Potsdam ~

"The performance was wonderful...a definite must see!" ~ Texas A&M/Kingsville ~

The Shangri-La Chinese Acrobats Performances will be:<p> Family Show -- Tuesday, October 25, 2005 at 7:00PM
School Performances -- Tuesday, October 25, 2005 at 9:30AM & 12:00PM

Ticket Prices for the 7:00PM performance are:

Orchestra I--- Orchestra II--- Orchestra III/Loge--- Balcony
Adult $20 --- $16 --- $12--- $8
Child/Student $15 $12 $8 $6
Group of 10 or more $14 $11 $7 $5
School Performances 9:30AM & 12:00PM -- All Tickets $5

**For Group/School Performance info contact Midori Maloney -- (256) 518-6158 Tickets to the 7:00PM (Evening) performance are available by:

§ Visiting the VBC Box Office
§ Calling Ticketmaster at 1.800.277.1700
§ Online at ticketmaster.com
Or
§ By Calling Broadway Theatre League at 256.518.6155
§ For More Information visit www.btleague.org
§ And
http://www.iaipresentations.com/sacrobat.html

The Shangri La Chinese Acrobats is brought to you by Colonial Properties Trust, Title Sponsor, and Damson’s Honda of Decatur, Show Sponsor, on behalf of Broadway Theatre League.

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