The Golden Dragon Acrobats Come to Spencer Theater Tonight

The Golden Dragon Acrobats, a performance troupe of 27, represent the best of a time-honored tradition that began more than 2,500 years ago and celebrates tremendous athletic strength, balance, inner harmony and timing. Their acrobatic feats include amazing displays of contortion and flexibility, grace and strength. All is choreographed with a level of ceremony and spellbinding beauty that takes viewers back in time.

The Golden Dragons are recognized throughout the United States and abroad as the premiere Chinese acrobatic touring company of today. Having toured to over 65 countries on five continents, the company has enjoyed such honors in the United States as a six-week sold-out run on Broadway and the New York Drama Desk award nominations for Unique Theatrical Experience and Best Choreography.

The troupe of acrobats appear in Spencer spotlights at 8 p.m. tonight, August 17 to perform their beautiful daring-do in the theater's intimate setting. Check them out -- bring the whole family! Excellent seats are available for $69 & $66. Call the Spencer Box Office at 575.336.4800 or go to www.spencertheater.com for tickets. A pre-performance Ginger Cashew Chicken Buffet ($20) is also available at 6 p.m.

Steeped in tradition, the ancient art form of acrobatics is among the most popular art form in all of China. 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.

Immerse your senses with this rich art form live in the intimate space of the Spencer August 17th! Up close and personal as the 500-seat Spencer allows, this promises to be a jaw-dropping acrobatic experience for all! Visit www.spencertheater.com for more information today.

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