|
Related stories
|
|
Acrobatics
2004/06/23
Beijing's culture is today a complex reflection of
China's history and its position in a rapidly changing world.
Full of contradictions and spectacular exclamations, it's a
city partially frozen in time as well as light-years ahead. As
culture is everything, not just the art and grandiosity of its
heyday, there is much to see, and enjoy.
Acrobatics
The history of acrobatics in China can be traced back to the
Neolithic period (more than 5,000 years ago). It is believed
that acrobatics grew from self-defense skills the people
practiced and demonstrated during their leisure time, but this
is not certain.
Over time, acrobatics was developed into a performance art
and became known worldwide through performances along the Silk
Road.
Whether old or young, educated or illiterate, an
appreciation simply requires you to see. There is no language
barrier or cultural border.
One thinks of the Chinese saying, "one minute on a stage
costs a performer ten years of training," when watching the
skill and determination of Chinese acrobats.