Spectacular Chinese acrobats in town

Group dance presented by Beijing Dance Academy.Photo: Afsar Ahmed

A full house before the scheduled start of the programme was a good indicator of the level of expectancy surrounding the performance of The China Arts Troupe at the Shilpakala Auditorium, on April 16.

As the performance rolled on, The China Arts Troupe treated the audience to a medley that lasted for an hour. The audience was warm in its response to the diversity in the dances from the Cute Actress to the Aerial Ballet, the Waist Dancing of Chu Styles, followed by the jovial juggling act, and the agility of the acrobats in the Foot Pagoda of Bowls and much more.

The dance numbers were based on traditional forms dating back from 2000BC to the modern era. The acoustics accompanied the dancers in rich costumes of brocade and taffeta in hot pink and emerald green. The overall performance was nothing short of dynamism, energy and youthfulness. The acrobatic feats represented balance and wonderful group synchronisation even in exhausting moves.

Over the years, Chinese cultural performances have traditionally attracted an interested crowd and this was no exception.

I have vibrant memories of watching the Chinese acrobatic teams performing at the National Stadium in Dhaka as a child. We had been a part of the captivated audience, among the thousands, who thronged to watch the spectacular shows. The jugglers, the plates balanced on sticks, the circus team, balance on cycles and many more acts are still etched in the memory of many.

On April 16, many waited eagerly to enter the hall at the Shilpakala Academy, holding placards saying, "Please give us a ticket." Phenomenal shows like these should be held at a more spacious venue as this would attract a wider audience.