Branson Attractions Dazzle Student Travel Groups

For Insite On Student Travel by Randy Mink

From theater shows to go-karts, Branson, Missouri, offers student group planners a wealth of itinerary ideas. Here is just a sampling of student-friendly attractions in this Ozarks vacation favorite:

Acrobats of China
Student groups at the New Shanghai Theatre get a taste of Chinese culture in addition to seeing amazing feats of precision, strength and teamwork on stage. The young acrobats from the New Shanghai Circus (ages 14-24) sign autographs in the lobby after the show, and arrangements can be made for them to meet with students for a question-and-answer session, says Susan Weimar, director of sales.

Prior to the performance, there is a short film on Shanghai. Exhibits in the lobby, such as replicas of the terra cotta warriors, add another dimension. The theater also can provide teachers with a China curriculum guide and study sheets prior to the visit.

Student performance groups may take the stage at the New Shanghai Theatre. From March to June, there’s a band or choral group prior to almost every Acrobat of China weekend show, Weimar said. Most of these opportunities are arranged through Branson on Stage Live, which offers a clinic or workshop as well.

Contact: Susan Weimar, 877-212-4462, susan@acrobatsofchina.com; acrobatsofchina.com.

Read the rest of the story here: http://insite.studenttraveldirectory.com/tag/branson-attractions-dazzle-student-travel-groups

Acrobats of China in Branson maintain thrill

By Joshua Clark, Branson Tri-Lakes Newspaper Entertainment Editor

(Branson, MO) In my continuing efforts to provide all my loyal reader(s) with as many show reviews as possible, I went to check out the Acrobats of China — performed by the New Shanghai Circus.

Boasting one of the largest casts in Branson with more than 40 acrobats showcasing a revolving lineup of internationally award-winning physical performance artists, this has always been one of the most entertaining shows in the area, and I’m glad to say, it is still as good as ever.

First of all, there so many jaw-dropping moments that it is impossible to nail them all down, but the acrobats performing on balancing chairs, stacked more than 20 feet high, the contortionist with the candelabras and a slew of acrobats jumping through the hoop rings, were all tops on my list. There aren’t many other places in the United States where you get to see something as amazing as those feats.

I also enjoyed the magic clock trick, which was one of the more surprising aspects of the show. I thought I knew exactly what would happen at the end of that illusion, but once it was complete, I found myself feeling like a little kid, full of awe and wonder.

The aerial ballet was also quite impressive, but then again just about every aspect of the show is top notch. There is even some comedy, as the second half of the show opens with a Chinese pantomime skit which had everyone in stitches when it was over.

As I watched the show, the one word that kept coming to mind as I watched this two-hour assault on the senses was “ridiculous.” There were feats of strength and talent that shocked and surprised me to the point where all I could do was shake my head and think to myself, “Well that is just ridiculous.” I don’t know if I can give a higher compliment than that.

While this show has almost nothing people would expect from a traditional Branson show, including live music, singers, dancers and the “Orange Blossom Special,” it is perfect for the area in that it truly offers something for everyone. I got the chance to speak to several of the acrobats before the show, and I discovered they work on their skills nearly 70 hours a week. That type of work ethic not only shows the pride they have in their work, but the heritage and history of their country, as well.

This is a great show, not only for the entertainment value, but for the exposure to a culture that continues to grow and flourish each and ever year, the way it has for thousands and thousands of years before. Give it a look. You’ll have a great time.

Review by Julie Sedenko Davis - a freelance writer and author of Tourist Town Guide to Branson coming in 2011

Many compare this show to Las Vegas' "Cirque du Soleil". It is filled with jaw dropping, "do not try this at home" stunts and contortion acts that can leave a person sore just by watching. Each segment opens with narration about various aspects of Chinese culture. Demonstrations include fast-moving performances like the "hoop-divers" whose precision and talent are truly astonishing. There are also several acts which require audience patience as performers set up and take down intricate maneuvers. The background music is Chinese and some American audiences may find it to be a little tiring. The Acrobats of China is an excellent choice for those looking for something different from Branson's country music fare.

Here's what our friends over at yelp.com are saying about the Acrobats in Branson

Over at Yelp they're saying some nice things about the Acrobats of China featuring the New Shanghai Circus. We've posted some comments but you can go to yelp (click here http://www.yelp.com/biz/acrobats-of-china-branson ) to get the complete reviews. Trust us they're all worth reading:).

Amazing show. I think the chair balancing act was incredible where they stack chairs on top of each other but only two legs at a time. I think they went up to 6 chairs. - Jason C - Ankeny IA

My family of four adults have the widest set of differences, it seems, when it comes to choosing something to do...However, this show was one we were ALL amazed by. Erin K. - Naperville IL

The lady sitting next to me told me she had seen the show 19 times. After it was over I understood why. Bradley B. - Corpus Christi TX

I was blown away! Tatertots Rock X.- Los Angeles, CA

I saw it with my parents and grandparents and we all loved it... Dana S. - Juneau AK

The show was impressive - Tamara M. - New York NY

Acrobats of China / New Shanghai Circus in Branson MO

By Linda Burligame, Shepherd of the Hills Gazette
July 7, 2010

The young performers in the New Shanghai Circus are truly amazing. Since they were very, very young they have been training and practicing; and their expert performance displays their success. Amazing feats of contortion, flexibility and balance, "mystical music and magic" — I never know what fascinates me the most.

Nine or ten acrobats balanced on chairs, one on top of the other in a tall tower of precision! How about the it-looks-so-easy balancing of plates on spinning poles? Or the Rolling Cups balancing act? That makes the pole climbing seem easy. Not! And just how many acrobats are balanced on that one bicycle?

The costumes and sets are gorgeous, different for every act. Beautiful silks and brilliant colors help make the show a feast for the eyes. The show is well staged and moves smoothly from one astonishing segment to the next. Some production numbers fill the stage with cast members; others like the aerial ballet feature individual acrobats. It's all beautiful!

In 2009 Mr. Jian Lin, President of the Acrobats Association traveled from China to honor the New Shanghai Circus in Branson with recognition as an "International Foundation of Chinese Cultural Entertainment." The press event was reported on China's National Television. The 1000-seat New Shanghai Theatre is located on Hwy. 165 a few blocks south of Hwy. 76 near Stone Hill Winery, just south of the intersection of Green Mountain Drive and Hwy. 165. Flowers, plants and waterfalls decorate the front. A three-legged bronze pot dominates the courtyard. From Xi'an, China, the Chinese name for it is "Ke Ding."

There are more than 250 acrobatic troops in China and the acrobats here in Branson have become very popular with visitors. Their acrobatics, magic, balancing — all of their fabulous feats, combined with beautiful sets and staging, state-of-the-art lighting and sound, colorful costumes — create a show that entertains audiences of all ages! Don't miss New Shanghai Circus featuring the Acrobats of China!

Read more stories about Branson Shows and Theaters in the Shepherd of the Hills Gazette.  Click here to go to their website: http://www.shepherdgazette.com/2010070798/July-August-2010/acrobats-of-china-new-shanghai-circus.html?ed=10

Acrobats of China is an extravaganza of unique spectacular entertainment in Branson MO

June 23rd, 2010 by Gary J. Groman

Last year after this writer saw the “Acrobats of China” he wrote, “Even in the ‘Live music show capital of the world’ there are some shows that are so unique, both in terms of their type and in the manner in which they are presented, that they in fact define a genre of show and the standard of excellence for that genre.” He continued, “The ‘Acrobats of China,’ presented by The New Shanghai Circus, is such a show. Currently there is nothing in Branson that remotely resembles the type of show and the near perfection of its cast as they perform exciting, colorful, and action filled feats providing their audiences with an incredible one of a kind entertainment experience.”

After seeing the 2010 edition of this show on June 19 all this writer can add is, “The show is even better than it was last year.” The elegance, skill, grace and precision and of the performers in each act is simply amazing. Couple that with excellent production, absolutely elegant costuming, and the choreographed and flawless presentation as each act seamlessly transitions into the next and the result is a one of a kind Branson experience that will appeal to adults and the vast majority of children equally.

This writers wife who had not seen the show was amazed, but then, so was her husband and he saw the show just last year. It’s almost like someone said, “Let’s pull out all the stops this year” and they did. Paul Miller, General Manager of the Branson Tourism Center said, “Our customer surveys of the Acrobats of China, as well as the comments of the Branson Tourism Center staff who have seen the show, indicate that it is an exceptional show.”

This writer has personally never seen a Branson show that wasn’t suitable for children to see, but he has seen a number of them, where, for most children, the two hours spent at the show would be the longest two hours of their lives simply because there was very little built into the show to hold their interest. The neat thing about the Acrobats of China is that from beginning to end, the same thing that makes it a great entertainment experience for adults makes it a great show for children.

At the performance this review was based on there was a large number of children. One very large group was sitting about five rows in front of us. The looks of amazement on their faces and their excitement as they walked up the aisle at intermission was a joy to see.

In a show where just about every act would be a highlight in another show it was difficult to narrow it down to three highlights. Realizing the subjectivity of his choices, this writer’s highlight acts were the Aerial Ballet, the Group Chair Stacking and the Diabolos.

The aerial ballet almost defies description as the “ballerina” performs an elegant ballet while balancing on one hand on top of a pole on top of a table. The whole act is not only an amazing feat of strength and skill, but was elegant in its total presentation with the costuming and supporting dancers. It’s one of those “wow” things that demonstrates the overall quality of the entire show.

The Diabolo is a Chinese yoyo. It seems like it would be hard enough to keep one of them moving on the string, but when you have a troupe of dancers working them as they dance and perform, throwing them back and forth and doing other amazing things with them it is an incredible thing to see.

The typical chair stacking act with one performer stacking chair and performing at the top of the stack is an exceptional thing to see. When you have a stack of eight chairs on top of table reaching into the heights above the stage and six young ladies performing synchronized acrobatic movements on the chairs it becomes exponentially more exciting and an absolutely incredible thing to witness.

If there is a show in Branson, Missouri with more color, pageantry, action, precision, skill, costuming, grace, beauty and elegance throughout its entirety, this writer hasn’t seen it. He had the sense that each performer, whether performing solo or as part of a group, was dedicated to performing flawlessly for themselves, their performing family and the audience. The result is a show that provides a unique Branson experience without equal and, with this cast this year, maybe anywhere.

Gary Groman writes for Branson Tourism Center in Branson MO
For additional information or tickets for the Acrobats of China or any of Branson’s other shows, attractions and activities or for lodging arrangements please contact the Branson Tourism Center one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services.

Branson Missouri Visitors Flip For Acrobats of China

For 13 years, the Acrobats of China have been thrilling crowds in Branson, Missouri with breathtaking performances that feature colorful backdrops and beautiful costumes designed celebrate the exotic wonders of China. Read the rest of the story on the Chateau on the Lake's blog by clicking here:
http://chateauonthelake.com/branson/index.php/category/branson-missouri-vacation-info/branson-missouri-visitors-flip-for-acrobats-of-china/