Chinese acrobatic troupe simulates vessel on rough sea

The China National Acrobatic Troupe, which arrived in Zhuhai on Nov 7, will debut its all-new "Ninth Wave-Chinese Pole" at the Nov 18-25 International Circus Festival. 

The first of 26 world-class acrobatic teams from 19 countries to reach Chimelong Hengqin International Circus City, the troupe was awarded at the 10th China Acrobatics Golden Chrysanthemum Awards, China's top acrobatics accreditation, in September. 

Ninth Wave-Chinese Pole

During the performance, a dozen acrobats dress as brave and fearless young sailors as they twist and turn on a pole supported by three struts at its base which represents a ship's mast. The sailors will simulate being rocked by rough waves to showcase strong will in a life-and-death struggle with the elements. 

Accompanied by inspirational music, the performers will either contort themselves in unison to represent a sail riding the wind and waves, or interact with the Chinese pole in a series of acrobatic movements to showcase an extremely dangerous situation and the courage of sailors.   

The most challenging part of the show occurs when one sailor holds himself perpendicular to the pole and then supports the weight of a shipmate performing a one-handed handstand. As ordinary acrobatics do handstands relying on stage properties, the difficulty of this performance lies in how to overcome the unsteadiness of human bodies.

Acrobat holding up his upside-down companion

Redesigning the conventional pole acts, which are restricted to the same plane, "Ninth Wave-Chinese Pole" uses a stereoscopic stage property with three struts to simulate rolling, climbing, lifting, jumping, and waving supported by the stability of a triangle.

Also unlike traditional pole-climbing acrobatics, this new performance integrates the twists and turns of parkour and other technical movements to showcase strength and flexibility. By adding females to a masculine performance, it couples hardness with softness, innovating the acrobatic performance. 

Six performances by Chinese teams are set to excel on stage.

A redesigned Chinese pole supported by three struts at its base [Photos by Zhu Xi / Zhuhai Daily]