1. Beijing Acrobat Show Just a short bus ride from the Forbidden City we find our next stop. The famous Beijing Acrobats

3. In the long course of development, the Chinese acrobatic art has formed its own style. The ancient acrobatics stemmed from the people's life and had a close link with their life and productive labor. Instruments of labor like: tridents, wicker rings, tables, chairs, jars, plates, and bowls were used in their performances of : "Flying Trident“ "Balance on Chairs“ "Jar Tricks“ "Hoop Diving“

4. Dragon Dance Dragon Dance originated from folk sports and games. All of these acts became commonplace in acrobatic performances throughout China. Though having a long history of development and enjoying great popularity among the people, acrobatics in old China was never performed in theaters because it was looked down upon by the upper class. Side Trip http://www.china-family- adventure.com/dragon-dance.html

5. Tradition Acrobatics is a pearl in the treasure house of the traditional Chinese performing arts. Chinese acrobatics has a long and rich heritage. The acrobatic art has been existent in China for more than two thousand years. As early as the Warring States Period (475-221 BC), the rudiments of acrobatics existed. By the time of the Han Dynasty (221 BC-220 AD), the acrobatic art or "Hundred Plays" further developed both in content and variety. In the Tang Dynasty, the number of acrobats greatly increased and their performing skills improved a great deal.

6. Activity INCREDIBLE! ACROBATS OF CHINA A Brief Overview of Acrobats http://www.fieldtrips4kids.com/study_guides/shanghai_chinese_acrobats_sg.pdf Read the History & Watch the following Acrobat Video Collection http://www.acrobatvideo.webs.com/ If you are having trouble viewing these video clips please see me. I have a copy downloaded on my computer.

7. Answer the Following Questions A. Which appeared to be the hardest, easiest? B. Which one took the most training? C. Which one did you like best? Why? D. What made the acts good? 1. Was it the skill of the performer? 2. Was it the costuming, lighting, music, or personality of the performer? E. Which acts do you feel that you could do?

8. Writing Activity Children usually begin to audition for acrobatic academies at age 8 or 9 and will begin training immediately if accepted. Some even begin as young as 4 or 5 years of age. In this country we consider this to be very young to begin career preparation. Have you considered a career. What sort of special training will you require to reach your individual goals? Write a 5 paragraph essay explaining your goals and how you plan to achieve them.

9. Beijing Acrobat Show Just a short bus ride from the Forbidden City we find our next stop. The famous Beijing Acrobats

11. In the long course of development, the Chinese acrobatic art has formed its own style. The ancient acrobatics stemmed from the people's life and had a close link with their life and productive labor. Instruments of labor like: tridents, wicker rings, tables, chairs, jars, plates, and bowls were used in their performances of : "Flying Trident“ "Balance on Chairs“ "Jar Tricks“ "Hoop Diving“

12. Dragon Dance Dragon Dance originated from folk sports and games. All of these acts became commonplace in acrobatic performances throughout China. Though having a long history of development and enjoying great popularity among the people, acrobatics in old China was never performed in theaters because it was looked down upon by the upper class. Side Trip http://www.china-family- adventure.com/dragon-dance.html

13. Tradition Acrobatics is a pearl in the treasure house of the traditional Chinese performing arts. Chinese acrobatics has a long and rich heritage. The acrobatic art has been existent in China for more than two thousand years. As early as the Warring States Period (475-221 BC), the rudiments of acrobatics existed. By the time of the Han Dynasty (221 BC-220 AD), the acrobatic art or "Hundred Plays" further developed both in content and variety. In the Tang Dynasty, the number of acrobats greatly increased and their performing skills improved a great deal.

14. Activity INCREDIBLE! ACROBATS OF CHINA A Brief Overview of Acrobats http://www.fieldtrips4kids.com/study_guides/shanghai_chinese_acrobats_sg.pdf Read the History & Watch the following Acrobat Video Collection http://www.acrobatvideo.webs.com/ If you are having trouble viewing these video clips please see me. I have a copy downloaded on my computer.

15. Answer the Following Questions A. Which appeared to be the hardest, easiest? B. Which one took the most training? C. Which one did you like best? Why? D. What made the acts good? 1. Was it the skill of the performer? 2. Was it the costuming, lighting, music, or personality of the performer? E. Which acts do you feel that you could do?

16. Writing Activity Children usually begin to audition for acrobatic academies at age 8 or 9 and will begin training immediately if accepted. Some even begin as young as 4 or 5 years of age. In this country we consider this to be very young to begin career preparation. Have you considered a career. What sort of special training will you require to reach your individual goals? Write a 5 paragraph essay explaining your goals and how you plan to achieve them.