In a hyper-techno age where gadgets-a-plenty vie for our attention, it seems almost impossible that a time-honored, live entertainment tradition begun more than 27 centuries ago would leave audiences spellbound.
“The [people] keep saying, ‘It’s amazing!’ and ‘How do they do that? How do they do that?’ ” Chinese choreographer Angela Chang said.
Golden Dragon Acrobats from China
Where » Wolf Trap Filene CenterWhen » 7 p.m. SaturdayInfo » $15 to $38; wolftrap.org
“They” are a group of young adults, ages 17 to 26, who have mastered the art of acrobatics and, under the direction of Danny and Angela Chang, tour the world as the Golden Dragon Acrobats from China. They will perform on the Filene Center’s stage for the first time Saturday evening, ending Wolf Trap’s 2010 summer season in stellar fashion.
Relying on precise skill in their movements, these acrobats seem almost able to defy the laws of nature. Not surprisingly, these athletes, who start as early as 7 to 10 years of age, begin with learning the basic principles of gymnastics. After their basic training, they will acquire acrobatic skills through instructors employed for that specific purpose. Once a year, Danny Chang, an acrobat his whole life, and his wife, Angela, herself a former dancer turned choreographer, will travel from their home in the United States to Hebei, China, to choose the best individual acts they can find to be part of a new touring season.
“We work together for two to three months and then bring a new show to the United States,” she continued. “Each [of 25 performers] has their own acts, working with at least two, preferably three to four, different skills.
The New York Post has noted the company “delivers beautifully choreographed routines showcasing their amazing skill and physicality, accompanied by a musical score of traditional Chinese music filtered through a New Age sensibility.”
The Golden Dragon Acrobats have traveled to all 50 states as well as 65 countries on five continents. They are internationally recognized as the premiere Chinese acrobatic group.
“We are proud to have been presented with several major awards over our company’s history including the National Association of Campus Activities Entertainer of the Year Award,” Danny Chang said.
In a production that needs few words, there is no apology from the Changs regarding the language barriers between performers and audiences.
“You can tell from the [audiences’] eyes, from their actions and their smiles that there’s a connection between cultures,” Angela Chang said. “It’s so beautiful what we share with people.”
