Becoming acrobats

（People's Daily Online）  08:33, June 08, 2013  

Coming from among the working people, Chinese acrobatics has a history of some 2,000 years which were inseparably bound to productive work and daily life. Therefore, sabers, swords, tables, chairs, jars, and plates are commonly seen in shows. The rhythm of dance and the movements of Kung Fu were later incorporated into the acts together with the improvement of music and stage. Chinese acrobatics has won acclaim and praise from audiences both at home and abroad.

Traditionally, acrobatic skills were kept within families and passed from parents to children. Although most acrobats are now taught by larger scale education systems as circuses are now made up of many more professionals than they used to be.

Hunan Feiyan acrobatic troupe trains children for free and paid for performers monthly. It was established by a retired acrobat Han Keting several years ago for children who have dreams of becoming acrobats.

The following photos show children at the Hunan Feiyan acrobatic troupe in Changsha, capital of central China's Hunan province, who train hard from 8:10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., 2:10 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. for the upcoming show in Cambodia.