8 p.m., Friday, November 2, 2012
Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts
Tickets: $45, $35, and $25

One of the longest running and most distinguished circus troupes in China, The National Circus of the People's Republic of China, performs at 8 p.m., Friday, November 2, 2012, at Fairfield University's Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts . T he Company will perform its new program "Cirque Chinois" at the Quick Center as part of a national tour of the United States and Canada. Whole Foods Market is a sponsor of this event. Tickets are $45, $35, and $25.

The National Circus of the People's Republic of China is one of the longest running and most distinguished circus troupes in China. Founded in 1953, the Company has won more than 20 Gold and Silver medals and various other awards at international circus festivals including the Monte Carlo International Circus Festival, Cirque de Demain, Wuqiao International Circus. The National Circus of the People's Republic of China is especially acclaimed in China because of the unique acts in its program, such as "Grand Flying Trapeze," "Straw Hats Juggling," "Girls' Balance With Bowls" and "Great Teeterboard." Many of the artists in the troupe have won international awards, including Ms. Li Liping, the first Golden Clown winner from China at the renowned Monte Carlo International Circus Festival, and Madame Xia Juhua, Chairwoman of the International Chinese Circus Society since the early 1980's.

Chinese circus is an ancient art. First records date back over 2000 years to the Qin Dynasty (225-207 BC), although it is believed to have actually started about 3000 years ago. Today, there are over 200 circus and acrobatic troupes within China, and most of them have toured around the world. Acrobats in China are regarded with respect and admiration. Training begins as early as four years old. Training with specific acts in the troupe may begin by the age of eight. Although some children can perform at early ages, performers usually start their career in their mid teens.

The National Circus of the People's Republic of China Company has toured in eighty countries throughout the world. They performed in France as Cirque de Pekin in the late '80s, with the French National Television and Radio Company broadcasting the performances months after its French engagements due to popular demand. In mid-2000, the Company toured the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany and Spain for six to ten months each year as the Great Chinese State Circus. And its Flying Trapeze troupe was invited to perform with the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus. The Company also influenced the then-pioneers of Cirque du Soleil, who invited many coaches from The National Circus of the People's Republic of China to teach them the acts such as "Balancing Chairs," and "Bicycle and Chinese Poles," which culminated in its revolutionary program "Circus Reinvented!"

Tickets and subscriptions are available through the Quick Center Box Office: (203) 254-4010, or toll-free 1-877-ARTS-396 (1-877-278-7396). Tickets can also be purchased online at www.quickcenter.com .

The Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts is located on the campus of Fairfield University at 1073 North Benson Road in Fairfield, Connecticut. Entrance to the Quick Center is through the Barlow Road gate at 200 Barlow Road. Free, secure parking is available. Access for people with disabilities is available throughout the Quick Center for audience members and performers. Hearing amplification devices are available upon request at the Box Office. Fairfield University is located off exit 22 of Interstate-95. For further information and directions, call (203) 254-4010 or 1-877-278-7396, or visit www.quickcenter.com

Posted On: 10-23-2012 11:10 AM

Volume: 45 Number: 91