Cirque Mei artists, acrobats kick off Sondheim Arts Series Friday

Cirque Mei, the elite circus artists and acrobats from China, will thrill the audience with their amazing feats of agility, strength, and poise, Friday, Oct. 4, in the first performance of the 2019-20 Sondheim Artist Series at the Fairfield Arts & Convention Center's Stephen Sondheim Center for the Performing Arts.

Direct from People's Republic of China, this top acrobatic group blends ancient artistry with breathtaking energy for a non-stop extravaganza of acrobatics, contortion tricks, juggling acts, and balancing feats.

The spectacular performance is a colorful and lively celebration of the Chinese circus arts, famous throughout the world. This company features 40 leading circus artists and acrobats from the northern Hebei Province who execute many of the popular Chinese circus routines, including hoop diving, lion dance, collective bicycle skills, flying meteors, foot juggling with umbrellas, and more.

Chinese acrobatics have a long and proud history going back some 4,000 years. It developed from people's everyday lives, using instruments used in daily life like tables, chairs, jars, plates and bowls. Wushu, which is traditional group gymnastics, and the Lion Dance come from folk sport and games. At one time, Chinese acrobatics was considered art of working people and not theater-worthy. That has changed as skillful performers amazed audiences and led to a resurgence of interest in the national arts in China.

Audience favorite, the Lion Dance, evolving from Chinese folk lore, features the lion, played by two acrobats and the small lion, played by one athlete. They perform traditional movements of lions rolling, jumping and portraying the lion's strength and agility as well as the playful side of the 'King of Beasts.”

'Chinese acrobats have been favorites of previous artist series performances and have become a staple on our stage,” said Rustin Lippincott, director of the Sondheim and event center. 'This troupe is recognized as the top Chinese touring acrobatic group and we are thrilled to have them opening our 11th Artist Series. With it kicking off our series, we are offering a buy one, get one ticket offering so it's easier for adults to bring their children or grandchildren.”

Hoop Diving developed from the 'Swallow Dance” of some 2,000 years ago features acrobats imitating flying movement of swallows leaping through rings. In Flying Meteors, the performer swings glass bowls through the sky similar to meteors in the sky. Holding rope and glass bowls filled with water, performers roll forward and backward without spilling the water.

The feats demonstrated on stage are truly inspiring and impactful. This group, similar to past Chinese acrobatic troupes, will leave an impression on the audience, importantly the younger audience. It's quite rewarding seeing the eyes get big when the athleticism, strength, power and agility is displayed. It is quite impressive and inspiring. It definitely makes as an impact.

For information and tickets contact the Fairfield Arts & Convention Center ticket office at 641-472-2787 or www.FairfieldACC.com.