THE FIVE ELEMENTS
EARTH , WOOD, WATER, FIRE, METAL
The Five Elements
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The ancient Chinese people believed the world was composed of five basic elements: Earth, Wood, Water, Fire and Metal. Due to the miracle of evolution over the ages, the great creators Pan Gu, Nu Wo and Kua Fu came into being. Their interaction with nature created the colorful and lively universe that we see today.
Act I EARTH (Exquisite Accomplishment)
In the beginning, Heaven and Earth were entwined in a muddy mixture. Pan Gu churned his great axe through the mixture for 18,000 years and finally separated the two realms. Purified vapour rose up to make the heavens, while heavy soil fell downwards to form the earth.
Features : The human pyramid contortion
Act II WOOD ( Strength in Grace)
Although Pan Gu had created the earth, the land still had no plant life. So Pan Gu used his breath to from the wind, his voice to form thunder, and his formidable gaze to form lightning. The skies brightened whenever Pan Gu smiled, clouded when he frowned and rained when he wept, When Pan Gu died, his eyes become the sun and moon, his head the four mountains, his hair the grass and the forests. Pan Gu gave his life to nature.
Features : Silk rope springboard stunts
Act III - WATER (Velocity in Fluidity)
Legend says that Emperor Yan's daughter Nu Wo had great beauty and charm. While swimming in the East Sea one day, tragedy befell her and she drowned. On dying, she was transformed into a colorful Jin Wei bird, vowing to fill the East Sea that brought her death. Thus, she carried grass, sticks and bits of stone in her bill, dropping them into the ocean. But as they fell to the ocean floor, the white stones become coral and pearls, yellow and blue stones transformed into beautiful tropical fish, and the green grass become seaweed. The barren sea bed was thus filled with life and color.
Features : Balancing on trapeze jumping through hoops trampoline
Act IV FIRE (Rise and Fall)
The Sun risees in the East and sets oin the West. Kua Fu, the earthly giant, was drawn, above all, to the beauty of the setting sun. Enchanted, he began to chase the vanishing sun, floowing its radiance and energy. The whole world has been warm an bright ever since.
Features : Acrobatics on elastic staraps hat juggling, Diabolo, Magic, Gymnastics on swinging poles
Act V METAL (Circles of Skill)
The phoenix is a mythical bird. Itr has red feathers and golden feet and brings great luck to the world. The phoniex showers the world with its power and protects people in their journey towards a better future.
Features : Ball feats , Flying trapeze
The Company
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China's most celebrated acrobatic company was founded in 1959, making it one of the world's oldest continuous companies. Since then it has gained the highest acclaim nationally and internationally, winning well over 50 medals for its extraordinary and inventive feats, which have inspired and been imitated by other troupes all over the world.
Becoming a Guangzhou Acrobat means taking on an entire new way of life. Every five years, the company's elaborate recruitment process takes place. Selectors travel the entire vast expanse of China seeking new members. Only the most agile and ardent candidates are finally allowed to join this family of talented and unusual cultural ambassadors. From that moment on, training and touring are constant and rigorous.
Situated right in the heart of Guangzhou City, Guangdong, the Troupe has its own gymnasium, workshop, offices and even flats for its more than 250 permanent members. Health and education are important concerns for the Troupe, Beside acrobatic training younger members have academic classes in Chinese, Math , Science, History and English, etc. The Troupe makes sure that they have all-roundly development in this acrobatic family
The company's commitment to the development of acrobatics over the past 40 years is reflected in its enormous list of successes and its popularity, both in China and internationally. Since its inception the Troupe has toured throughout Europe, North America, Oceania, Thailand and Japan. It received critical acclaim at the Edinburgh Festival in 1986 (with mantles such as "the best performance in the world" and "a symbol of strength and aesthetics"). In 1991, they wowed Europe with "Chinese Magic" and gained special commendation for "Spinning Goblets" from the Mayor of Auckland. In 1994 the "Rugs Spinning Duo" won Gold in Morocco. In 1995, Gold was awarded to the "Jumping through Rings" and "Road of Hope" acts at the International Acrobatics Competition in Belgium. In 1997, "Arial Juggling with the Head" won the "Gold K" Award at the 9th International Acrobatics Competition, and commendations from the Peoples' Government. In 1998 "Double Juggling Bowls with the Head" and "Juggling Balls" won the Gold Lion Award at the 3rd National Juvenile Acrobatics Competition. In 1999, the Troupe toured throughout Thailand to extraordinary sellout success, and followed up with critical success in Paris.
In March 2001 the Troupe's "Gymnastics On A Swaying Pole" excelled again at the 14th La Piste Aux Expoirs International Acrobatic Competition in Belgium. It was the first Troupe to win three major awards simultaneously in the history of the festival.
What makes this Troupe truly extraordinary is its unique blend of the best of 3,000 years of Chinese acrobatics with the essence of dance, gymnastics, farce and martial arts. What emerges from this blend, via the character and history of Guangdong itself, is the fully integrated, creative and unique "Ling Nan" performance style.
Guangzhou Story
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The Guangzhou Acrobatic Troupe of China delivers a performance that excites and amazes. As a family adventure, a cultural event, an offering of Guangdong customos to the curious, or just pure entertainment, the show appeals to all age groups and tastes, delivering theatre imbued with the flavor of Guangdong life.
The Many high points of the show comprise stunning feats of strengh and skill of control and balance, and movement and stillness, The Show dynamic rhythm builds up through higher and hugher levels of excitement, each act suddenly blooming into impossible flowers frozen tableaux of human sculpture bringing the audience to their feet, amused or amazed! The agility and flexibility of the extraordinary beauty and serenity backed by great stagecraft, rich, warm light and mesmerizing sound and images.
Guangzhou Acrobatic Troupe of China
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Founded in 1959, the Guangzhou Acrobatic Troupe of China is one of the largest of its kind in China. Traditional Chinese acrobatic art meets modern dance, artistic gymnastics, drama, fashion and computer-generated stage effects. The Troupe has developed a unique Cantonese performing style. With a pool of prize-winning talent, it is also one of the best and most rewarded troupes in China. Since its establishment, it has won more than 60 prizes and titles at different acrobatic competitions or festivals both at home and abroad. In recent years the Troupe has turned out several big productions that have been staged internationally. Among them, the 'Guangzhou Story' has been performed in Germany, France, Portugal and Thailand hundreds of times. 'The Forbidden City' is currently attracting thousands of visitors at Hong Kong's Ocean Park.
With numerous appearances on TV, stage, circuses, amusement parks, casinos and special gala events, the Troupe's performances have been well received by millions across Europe, Asia, America and Africa. In addition to more than 100 artists, the Troupe has professionals in music, stage art, dance, costumes and lighting. Located in the heart of Guangzhou, the Troupe has its own gymnasium, workshop, studios, offices and flats for its artists as well as technical and administrative staff. More than 250 people work permanently for the Troupe. The country's Ministry of Culture awarded the Troupe the Most Outstanding Acrobatic Troupe in China in 1990.
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GUANG ZHOU ACROBAT : The Five Elements "Earth, Wood, Water, Fire, Metal" 
