On the evening of October 26, the Hohhot Art Theater was alive with applause as the first “Meet in the North” showcase featuring acrobatics and magic from nine provinces along the Yellow River was officially launched. This event is a collaborative effort between the China Acrobatic Association and the Inner Mongolia Writers Association, along with representatives from eight provinces including Qinghai, Sichuan, Gansu, Ningxia, Shaanxi, Shanxi, Henan, and Shandong.
I had the opportunity to witness the performance that kicked off the evening, where the Inner Mongolia Art Theater’s acrobatic troupe captivated the audience. They presented segments from China’s first original acrobatic show based on the theme of rural revitalization, titled “Our Beautiful Life.” The inspiration for the show stems from the “Three Skills of Men” highlighted in the traditional Naadam festival, showcasing wrestling, horse racing, and archery through the art of acrobatics, embodying the spirit of unity and perseverance among different ethnic groups.
The excitement continued as acrobats from various provinces took the stage, each performance intricately woven with local cultural elements. The acts displayed a variety of skills, including juggling, balancing, and flexibility, with every twist, turn, and inversion radiating strength and beauty, exemplifying the essence of acrobatics characterized by high, thrilling, astonishing, risky, and aesthetic elements.
Magic added another layer of entertainment, with acts that created moments of wonder. The Inner Mongolia acrobatic troupe performed “Magical Journey,” featuring impressive illusions, while Taiwanese magician Hu Kailun’s act “Not a Single Person Less” reached a peak of excitement, dazzling the audience with his expert techniques and ingenious tricks.
After the show, audience members eagerly shared their thoughts. “It was fantastic! My kids and I loved ‘Dawn of Beef Noodles,’ the combination of Gansu cuisine and acrobatics was brilliant, and the performers had such great humor,” remarked one attendee. Another said, “I was really taken by ‘Youthful Night – Czech Stick.’ The stage was so vibrant, and the overall feel was very youthful and stylish.”
Many expressed appreciation for the opportunity to see such high-caliber performances for free. “It’s not often you get to see acrobatics and magic at this level,” said audience member Yu Xuan. “I’m in awe of the dedication these performers have for their art. Their passion truly moved me.”
In addition to the performances, the event will also feature theme forums, creative exchanges, and observation sessions, aiming to create a platform for collaboration among acrobatic troupes from the nine provinces along the Yellow River.
