The Peking Acrobats-a group of contortionists, gymnasts and cyclists-will entertain Miami University students and community Feb. 24.
The show, which is sponsored by the Center for American and World Cultures, Kona Bistro, the Talawanda-Miami Partnership and the Performing Arts Series, is a first for Miami.
"The Peking Acrobats are considered China's premiere acrobatic entertainment group," said Craig Harkrider, manager of Miami's box office.
Assistant Director for the Performing Arts Series David Sheldrick said the Peking Acrobats will be a new change for Miami.
"We brought in Cirque le Masque last year and the Golden Dragon Acrobats the year before that, but the Peking Acrobats have never been here before," Sheldrick said.
Although Miami has hosted acrobatic troupes in the past, the Peking Acrobats have an added element to offer viewers.
"There will be live musicians playing traditional Chinese music," Sheldrick said. "The previous two groups didn't have live music, so this will be something extra."
The Peking Acrobats' producer, Cynthia Hughes, said there are 21 acrobatic performers and five musicians in the show. She said this is the Peking Acrobats' 23rd year touring the United States.
The Peking Acrobats consists of performers who come exclusively from the provinces of China, Hughes said. The performers have been required to work together in order to create a cohesive production.
"We have studios in Beijing and we start putting the show together there," Hughes said. "When the group comes over, about a week to 10 days before the show, they come to Los Angeles for rehearsals."
Hughes said the Peking Acrobats are unique because of the level of dedication demonstrated by the performers.
"Being an acrobat in China is the equivalent to being an opera star in the United States," Hughes said. "There's a great deal of dedication involved there. A typical acrobat will begin training at age 5 in one of the many acrobatic schools in China."
Hughes said the amount of dedication that the acrobats put into the show is demonstrated in the final result.
"I think the biggest thing that viewers take away from the Peking Acrobats is the awe inspiring beauty and amazement at what the human body can achieve," Hughes said. "Not only is it a slice of Chinese culture, but it gives the audience the inspiration to go out and be the best they can be in their lives as well."
Harkrider said the Peking Acrobats are likely to impress any audience with their acrobatic artistry, so the hope is that the performance will hold interest for both Miami students and the Oxford community.
"We expect a wide range of people. This is something that will appeal to kids, adults, students, and families," Sheldrick said. "The quality of this act really speaks for itself."
According to Harkrider, tickets for the performance have been on sale since late April 2008, when the schedule for this year's Performing Arts Series was first released.
"We've sold a good number of tickets, but being in Millett Hall, there's still a lot of seats open," Harkrider said. "We would love to see students come and support the performance. I'm sure they will find themselves both amazed and entertained."
The Peking Acrobats will perform at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 24 at Millett Hall. Tickets are $12 for students and $24 for adults.
