 
The origin of the Chinese circus is
something of a debate. However, what is clear is that it is an ancient
art. First records date back over 2000 years to the Qin dynasty
(225-207 BC) when China was unified by the First Emperor Qin Shi
Huang. It is believed that the art actually started about 3000 years
ago. Some believe that the Circus evolved out of the Imperial court
performers, something similar to court jesters in Mediaeval Europe.
These performances, however, tended to be quite formal and staid,
and it is believed that the adaptation of some of these acts into
popular performances for the people in turn became popular with
the ruling classes. Given the age of the art, it is likely that
the circus was in fact a folk art which was later 'adopted' by the
Imperial houses. The Chinese came to call the circus "the show
of a hundred tricks"
Rather like in Europe, families became involved
in the Circus, and a family tradition developed with skills being
passed from generation to generation. The most famous Circus families
were well known. In 1949, following many years of decline because
of war, the art received a boost as it was supported by the Communist
government as an art form to be preserved.
There are over 250 Circus troupes within
China today, and many of these have toured around the world. Within
China, acrobats are regarded with respect and admiration. Training
begins as early as four years old. Specific training with an acrobat
troupe may begin by the age of eight. Basic training - balancing,
tumbling, dancing, flexibility, and strength training -- is given
in the first two years. Although some children can perform at an
early age, when their flexibility and suppleness are at their highest,
performers generally start in their mid teens.
There are many classical acts. Particular to Chinese circus is the
dancing lions. This act is in fact rooted in Buddhism. The lion
is a Buddhist symbol of good luck, and rivals the dragon as the
most auspicious animal to guard against evil. The lion is also the
animal depicted in Buddhism as the carrier of Wen Shu (Manjusri)
the Boddhisattva of wisdom. The lion dance is a display of balance,
co-ordination and strength combined into one. The ease with which
the two acrobats within the lion's costume act as one belies the
difficulty of this act.
A more recent act is that of the
Peacock Bicycle, and the world record for the most number of people
on a bicycle is held by a Chinese Circus troupe from Zhenzhou: an
impressive 17 people, weighing over half a ton, this act takes some
strength on the part of the person pedalling the bicycle. |
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