The Artist Series Presents Golden Dragon Acrobats 1/9/2011

Golden Dragon Acrobats represent the best of a time-honored tradition that began more than twenty-five centuries ago. The Golden Dragons are recognized throughout the United States and abroad as the premiere Chinese acrobatic touring company of today.

The Golden Dragon Acrobats will be coming to the Wilson Center for the Arts on Sunday, January 9th at 3:00PM for one performance only!

The Golden Dragon Acrobats represent the best of a time honored tradition that began more than twenty-five centuries ago. The Golden Dragons are recognized throughout the United States and abroad as the premiere Chinese acrobatic touring company of today.

The reputation of the company is solidly rooted in a commitment to the highest of production values and an attention to artistic details that is unparalleled in the art form. World renowned impresario Danny Chang and choreographer Angela Chang combine award-winning acrobatics, traditional dance, spectacular costumes, ancient and contemporary music and theatrical techniques to present a show of breathtaking skill and spellbinding beauty.

Acclaim and Dedication like No Others

In November 2005, the Golden Dragon Acrobats made their Broadway debut to a sold out audience at the New Victory Theater, New York's ultimate theater for kids and families. Their Broadway run over the next six weeks led to adoration and standing ovations from audiences of all ages and universal critical acclaim from the New York press. The run was highlighted by the Golden Dragons receiving two most prestigious New York Drama Desk nominations -- Danny Chang for Unique Theatrical Experience and Angela Chang for Best Choreography. The company returns to the New Victory this season as the only Chinese acrobatic troupe to ever make a return appearance on Broadway.

The 2007-08 tour will mark the 29th year of continuous touring in the United States for the Golden Dragon Acrobats. With the company's main office based in Dallas, TX, the Golden Dragons have traveled around the world to all 50 states and to over 65 countries on five continents. The members of the current touring company, hailing from Hebei, China, have performed in all 48 lower U.S. states within the last three years alone to sold out audiences in nearly every major market in the country. The Golden Dragons remain the only Chinese acrobatic company touring year-round in the United States.

An Art Form beyond Compare

The ancient art of Chinese Acrobatics is an old and long running tradition that began in China well over two thousand years ago. Over its long and rich history it has developed as one of the most popular art forms among the Chinese people. While many historical records provide evidence for the development of Chinese acrobatics as far back as the Xia Dynasty (4000 years ago), it is most commonly held that the art form did not become wildly popular until approximately 2,500 years ago when it began to capture the attention of the country's powerful emperors.

During the Warring States Period (475 BC - 221 BC) acrobatics in China began to evolve from the working lives of its people. Instruments of labor, such as tridents and wicker rings, and articles of daily use such as tables, chairs, jars, plates and bowls began to be used as performance props. This unorganized form of entertainment and leisure eventually evolved into a form of performance that became recognizable to the Chinese people.

During the Han Dynasty (221 BC - 220 AD) these rudimentary acts of acrobatics developed into the "Hundred Plays". More contents and varieties were quick to develop. Musical accompaniment was soon added to the performance as interest in the art form grew among the emperors. During the Tang Dynasty (618 - 907 AD) the number of acrobats greatly increased as the skills of each individual performer slowly began to become much more precise and amazing.

Since these early times, acrobatics have evolved into many forms of performances including dance, opera, martial arts, and sports. However, the impact of Chinese acrobatics goes far beyond the boundaries of performance as it has served an important role in the cultural exchange between China and Western nations including the United States. The citizens of China continue to present their acrobatic art for the world today, as it portrays the hard working nature of their people and sets forth an example of the rich traditions of Chinese culture.

Acrobat in the Modern Times
Today, acrobatics has served the important role of becoming part of the culture exchange between China and other western nations. Acrobatic art has clearly portrays the hard working, endurance, and courage emphasized among the Chinese culture.

GOLDEN DRAGON ACROBATS will perform at the WILSON CENTER FOR THE ARTS on Sunday, January 9, 2011 at 3:00PM for 1 performance only!

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