CITY GUIDE >City Special
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CITY GUIDE >City Special
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Beijing:Going wild
(China Daily)
Updated: 2009-08-15 09:27
Horses and bears will dance on the stage and death-defying acrobats will soar in the air. Then they will send in the clowns. One of the oldest circuses in Russia the Nikulin Circus, has been delighting locals this week at the Beijing Workers' Stadium and tonight is the last night. "America and Russia dominated the early history of circus," says Slava Lashvkin, head of the circus. "The former adopted the classic Las Vegas style. To create a dreamlike show, they used an innovative stage with creative light effects and set designs and high-tech props. "But the Russians have always relied on skill and strength. Solid training and well-trained animals are key to our shows. " Thirteen tigers promise to wow audiences with their stunning stunts, including jumping through a double-ring flame. One tiger that appears to be calmly seated, suddenly springs a real surprise, much to the delight of the audience, its flowing manes making for a magnificent sight.
The thrilling stunts from acrobatics feature performers walking on steel cables placed 10 m above the floor, balancing on wheels while juggling various items. The organizers say the show will also have illusionists, elephants performing various stunts and daredevil horseback riding. Working on two high ropes, tightrope artists will give a unique performance - including a series of three-men pyramids. The music inspired by melodies from central Asia and the extremely slow movements of the act gives the audience a chance to understand their complexity. Their star artiste, a former ballerina, floats high in the ceiling with nine companions in a true aerial ballet. Eleven riders from the Caucasus who display fiercely paced, sword-waving horsemanship, and dancing bears that don't just dance but also juggle, keep the adrenaline flowing. Asked how the circus' acrobats hoped to hold their own in front of a Chinese audience used to high standards in local shows, Lashvkin says: "Unlike the China National Acrobatic troupe, the Russian circus will attract audiences with their animal stunts instead of relying on kungfu and magic." As to criticisms about animals being used for entertainment, Lashvsin says the main draws of their shows are the animals - from lions and tigers, to bears and dogs. But they always receive the best care, he says. Named after a renowned late clown, Yury V Nikulin, who performed with the troupe for over two decades and became its chief producer, the Nikulin Circus was founded in Moscow in 1880 and is known as one of the oldest and most popular performing troupes in Russia. "My profession is to make people laugh, to evoke laugh by all means. And I am always pleased when I cause joy," he once said. |
