The Chinese State Circus - What You Need to Know

-
The Chinese State Circus is currently touring the UK! You may already know this from our social media, or maybe you have seen and heard about it locally if it's heading to your area. You may even have caught the stars with Andi Peters on Good Morning Britain last week!


How much do you actually know about the Chinese State Circus, though? 

We decided to give you a rundown of everything you need to know, in bite-sized chunks!


What is it?


The Chinese State circus is currently touring with a new production - 'Dynasty'. The show brings an art form that has thrilled audiences for more than 2,000 years into a contemporary setting. It tranforms low-tech everyday objects into hi-tech acrobatic equipment. Hurtling porcelain jars...dynamically spinning plates...balancing upon gigantic pyramids of tables and chairs framed by the delicate strands of silk supporting cascading aerialists.



Where does it come from?


China!

That's the short answer. But really, this is a question with two answers...

In modern terms, the Chinese State Circus was an idea started back in the '90s, after directors Carol and Phillip Gandey witnessed a group of Oriental acrobats performing at the Monte Carlo Circus Festival. They were astounded at the quality, depth and sheer diversity of the troupes. The Chinese State Circus was born that day.

Historically, however, Chinese acrobatics is an art form that stretches back for more than 2,000 years, with historical records and ancient carvings displaying the existence of the discipline during the period of the Warring States (475 - 221BC)!


Who are they?


The show is comprised of 30 world-class Chinese acrobats, aerial artistes, and jugglers, who interact with the super-human physical skills and dexterity of the masters of martial arts.

Just some of the acts you can witness during the show are:

The Lion Dance 




The Oriental Swan 


Hat Juggling


The Shaolin Warriors



You can see all of the above at the show, plus much, much more.


Where can I see them?


The show is currently running at Chantry Park in Ipswich, before moving on to Norwich, Orsett, Chingford, Evesham, Birmingham and Shrewsbury. There are more destinations being added all the time though, so be sure to keep an eye on the website.

The list of venues can be found here.




Comments

Post a Comment

Thanks for your feedback!

Popular posts from this blog

A brief history of clowns to celebrate Andreea's birthday!

-
Image
Hip hip hooray! It’s our crazy clown Andreea’s birthday! The lovable Andreea has been appearing in shows with Gandeys Circus for nearly a decade. Now Andreea is actually French – so perhaps we should say ‘bon anniversaire’! We’re proud to have Andreea as part of our current team in the big top at Butlin’s Skegness . While our other clowns – currently performing at Butlin’s Bognor Regis and Minehead – Bippo and Chico Rico are more traditional, Andreea opts to show off her sense of style with an offbeat modern look. We think her pink tutu / Converse / blazer combo is pretty iconic… especially paired with her blasting boombox! (she’s never been shy of making an entrance). Andreea likes interrupting the action with her silly routines. And you know something else… she is the UK’s only female clown! So you could say she’s a bit of an innovator when it comes to clowning around. With that in mind, let’s look at how much clowns have changed ov
Read more

When The Lady Boys of Bangkok Met.... Geordie Shore!

-
Image
Fans of the hit TV show Geordie Shore will be pleased to see the return of their favourite stars of the North tonight, for yet another series! It's the 5th time on the small screen for the 'toon army'  this time showcasing fun and frolics on their stag and hen adventures. Travelling across Europe to the best of the continents Stag and Hen destinations.... From Amsterdam to Tignes, the series follows the stars along the way! It's guaranteed to have you laughing, cringing and possibly having a little bit of a cry throughout. Enough of the new series though, remember that time when the stars of Geordie Shore met our Lady Boys of Bangkok . ....? Cheeky  James Tindale  didn't seem to know what to do with himself when the beautiful Lady Boys of Bangkok rolled in to town!  Well, until the Lady Boys took to the stage and of course, then  James wasn't one to let other's take the limelight..... Switswoo we say! If you missed the Lady Boys of Bangkok
Read more

Origins of the Chinese Circus

-
Image
200 BC – 200 AD – Han Dynasty, Sichuan Province – Juggler with balls and knives – Carving, stone of the “Hundred Games.” [source: Chinese Acrobatics Through The Ages, p15] The origins of the Chinese circus are not entirely crystal clear. There are debates and differing opinions when it comes to the exact history behind the circus, which is not a surprise when you take into account how long it has been around! First records of the Chinese circus - including carvings and mural paintings - date back more than 2,000 years to the Warring States period (475–221 BC), with evidence of performances developing further during the Qin and Han Dynasties (221 BC - 230 AD). Although it is believed that the art may have actually started around 3,000 years ago! One theory is that the acts originated in imperial courts, with performers entertaining the houses in a manner similar to western court jesters. However, it is more likely that the circus was a folk art that was later adopted by
Read more