I am running away to join the Shangri-La Chinese Acrobats.
I spent my Thursday night at the theatre last night. I scored some free tickets to see the Shangri-La Chinese Acrobats, who are all as tiny and nimble as you might imagine. They are on tour and stopped in Richmond to do a few shows at the Glen Allen Cultural Arts Center. The show was, in a word: amazing. Nearly two hours of daring stunts that I’ve only seen before on TV. I sat there with my heart in my throat wondering what they might do next.
They brought out ordinary objects onto the stage - like tables and large ceramic vases. For what? Why to juggle with their feet and to balance on their heads of course! They did a lot of the acts you’d expect to see - like the Chinese dragons balancing on balls - and the bike ride where all 15 of them pile on one bike and they bust out the red furry fans (just for that added ta-dah) at the end. I mostly enjoyed the tumbling and of course the contortionists blew my mind. (Can you imagine the sex these people must have??) Honey, please!
Because the space was limited (it was in an auditorium) the rope work and “trapeze” work wasn’t too exciting. But there were lots of acts that just blew me away. I was mostly just impressed with how diverse their talents were. Ex. The same guy that twirled 18 plates on poles was the same guy doing trapeze work later in the show. The same girl that balanced 6 candelabras - with her feet, hands, head and mouth (with lit candles, thank you very much) was the same girl that did ballet and contortion work with a partner. It was really an amazing show. I envy them for being able to just travel all over the world and just astound people with their amazing (and sometimes freakish) talents. Which is why I’ve decided to run away with them. Sort of like joining the circus - only better. One thing though…
I need a talent.
What should my talent be?
Walking on crushed martini glasses while spitting fire?
Juggling 5 Siamese cats, while dressed in an elaborate kimono?
Maybe I’ll just do a sexy tumbling act with one of the trapeze guys…
What do you think?