Acrobats offer a new look

By Tyler Francke of the Branson Tri-Lakes News

Branson’s Ozark Mountain Christmas is a beloved tradition for many of the area’s residents and visitors, but for some, like the New Shanghai Circus troupe of “Acrobats of China,” it’s something different — a chance to learn about a new culture.

“We do celebrate Christmas in China,” a female performer, Jaio Jaio, said through an interpreter. “But it’s quite different here.”

According to the interpreter, Geng Zhao, many of the performers have been struck most by the area’s seasonal outdoor decorations, especially the many light displays.

“We think the lights are very beautiful,” she said. “(The performers) like them a lot. They even like to take pictures of them.”

According to the women, one of the biggest differences between Christmas in the two countries is that in China, people are much more likely to go out with friends.

“In China, people like to go out and celebrate during this time of year,” Jaio said. “Here, more people stay at home with their families.”

Christmas is becoming increasingly popular in China, especially with younger generations, Geng said.  However, it’s largely celebrated as a secular holiday, according to Geng. Christianity is a minority faith in China, and religious practices are controlled by the government in some parts of the republic.  “It’s not that serious,” Geng said of the holiday’s celebration in her home country. Then she added with a laugh, “It’s kind of like people just find an occasion to party.”

The much bigger party in most of the country is the Chinese New Year, which generally occurs about a month after the start of the new year in the United States.

Read the rest of the story by clicking here: http://bransontrilakesnews.com/news_free/article_7906267c-2828-11e1-a8fe-0019bb2963f4.html

AY Mag says Acrobats are one of Branson's Top 5 Things to do with Kids

Jodie Spears in writing for AY Mag had this to say about the New Shanghai Circus being one of the Top 5 Things to Do with Kids in Branson, Missouri:

"If you’re looking to be awestruck, look no further than Branson’s New Shanghai Theatre and the Acrobats of China. This show is full of dynamic costumes, lights, and acrobatic feats that will leave children and adults wowed. The troupe’s more than 40 acrobats perform carefully-orchestrated, skillful stunts and will dazzle you with their death-defying feats of “strength, endurance, flexibility, balance, contortion and magic.”

Thanks Jodie and AY Mag! - the Acrobats (all 50 of us)

St Louis Post-Dispatch: Some of their favorite things to do in Branson

Thanks St Louis Post-Dispatch for choosing the us, the Acrobats of China featuring the New Shanghai Circus as one of your favorite things to do in Branson! Read about it here: http://www.stltoday.com/travel/html_ab57f0ec-71e9-11e0-969e-0019bb30f31a.html

A trip to Branson goes beyond the expected (from the St Louis Post-Dispatch)

By Amy Bertrand for the St Louis Post-Dispatch

BRANSON, MO. • "I'll admit I was curious. In the weeks preceding our trip to Branson, I had heard opinions on the "Live Music Capital of the World" from several dozen people. They ranged from criticisms of the kitsch to raves about the activities for kids. Two of the biggest cheerleaders were my parents, who visit Branson twice a year. They helped us plan and then joined us on a family trip to the Ozarks town." (Read the rest of the story here: http://www.stltoday.com/travel/article_47df42eb-394b-5ef5-92e7-3d347ce747b9.html

Here's one little tidbit of what Amy said about us: "A spectacular display of human strength, flexibility and skill..."

(plus there's a great picture of some of our newest costuming).

Branson's Best Top 5 Things To Do With Kids by AY Magazine

By Jodie Spears for AY Magazine

Someone you love is always playing in Branson … that’s the promotional slogan on ExploreBranson.com, the official website for Branson tourism. Although it’s most likely referring to the many musical acts that play in this vacation Mecca, it could very well refer to your play-loving kids....(read complete story here: http://www.aymag.com/AY-Magazine/May-2011/BRANSON-039S-BEST-Top-Five-Things-to-Do-with-Kids/ )

We're skipping to part of what Jodie had to say about us:
If you’re looking to be awestruck, look no further than Branson’s New Shanghai Theatre and the Acrobats of China. This show is full of dynamic costumes, lights, and acrobatic feats that will leave children and adults wowed. The troupe’s more than 40 acrobats perform carefully-orchestrated, skillful stunts and will dazzle you with their death-defying feats of “strength, endurance, flexibility, balance, contortion and magic.”

Branson, Missouri Family Attractions include Acrobats of China featuring the New Shanghai Circus - a Branson Show

USA Today in it's Travel Tips for Branson MO Shows has this to say:

A rotating troupe of Chinese gymnasts puts on a display of breathtaking acrobatic skill at the New Shanghai Theater at least once daily. While some of Branson's shows may not be ideal for younger members of the family, this is one that everyone can enjoy. The acrobats range in age from 13 to 45. Trained at the Shanghai Magic Academy of Acrobatics, they spend six to seven months in Branson and then are rotated back to China and replaced with another troupe. Acrobats of China (New Shanghai Theater) 645 State Highway 165 Branson, MO 65616 877-212-4462 417-334-8781 acrobatsofchina.com/en

About the Author
Don Amerman has spent his entire professional career in the editorial field. For many years he was an editor and writer for the "Journal of Commerce." Since 1996, he has been freelancing full time, writing for a large number of print and online publishers, including Gale Group, Charles Scribner’s Sons, Greenwood Publishing, Rock Hill Works and others.

In Branson MO: Song Ying an amazing Acrobat of China



Song Ying gives the Chinese symbol
for Okay.

 The Chinese Acrobats have been amazing Branson, Missouri audiences with their unique and exciting brand of entertainment since 1998. It is an astounding display of excellence, synchronization, excitement, precision, and skill performed by superbly conditioned and skilled performers. Unlike many Branson shows there is no one star in this show, it is the entire troupe and it is their seamless performance together that makes the Acrobats of China such a thrilling entertainment experience. Recently, one of the troupe, Miss Song Ying (SY), who has been performing with the Acrobats of China, in Branson for seven years, was interviewed for this piece which would not have been possible without the translation skills of Travis Zhang.

“Branson – Up Close and Personal” is a service of the Branson Tourism Center and is intended to provide readers with an up close and personal look at a Branson star or personality. The format will be “Question and Answer” and although there will be some different questions many of the same questions will be asked so that readers can compare the answers of different Branson personalities. The interviewing will be done for the Branson Tourism Center (BTC) by Gary J. Groman, a 25 year resident of the Branson area, local columnist and free lance writer.

BTC: How long have you been with the Acrobats of China?
SY: About seven years.

BTC: How many years have you been training to do what you do?
SY: I have been training since the age of seven. At the age of 17 I started to major in acrobatics.

BTC: Of all the different acts you participate in during the show which one do you personally enjoy doing the most?
SY: The Magic Clock

BTC: How did you end up in Branson?
SY: I came with the troupe to perform about seven years ago.

BTC: What acts in the show do you perform in?
SY: Plate Spinning, Magic Clock, Nose Balance and Group Contortion

BTC: What is your first memory of Branson?
SY: Its beauty and quietness.

BTC: What do you like best about performing in Branson?
SY: The audiences. I enjoy performing for them and getting to meet them.

BTC: What’s your favorite thing to do in Branson when you are not performing?
SY: Shopping and going to other shows.

BTC: Where is your favorite place to eat in Branson – Favorite dish?
SY: We have our own chef that prepares most of our meals, but I enjoy the Rib Eye Steak at the Lone Star Steakhouse.

BTC: If you could perform or meet with any entertainer/person (living or deceased) who would it be and why?
SY: Andy Lau a pop music star and actor in Hong Kong, China because of his music and acting. [Lau has had an extremely successful career singing "Cantopop" while simultaneously having a successful movie and acting in over 120 films.]

BTC: In your career, of all the performances you have made and you have been in, no matter how big or small, which one personally meant the most to you and why?
SY: My first performance of “Nose Balancing” because I invested so much effort learning how to do it.

BTC:  Do you have a favorite hobby or activity and what is it?
SY: Learning English while in Branson and traveling.

BTC: Do you have a “little known” fact about yourself that you think our readers would enjoy?
SY: I am a practical joker.

BTC: What is the funniest thing that has happened to you in front of an audience?
SY: When the sword go stuck while doing the “Magic Clock Routine.”

BTC: What part of your show do you enjoy the most and why?
SY: The girls group bicycle ride because it is so exciting and colorful.

BTC: If I were planning a trip to Branson why should I plan to see your show?
SY: We have a unique show that is full of unique, exciting and colorful action that is fun and entertaining for people of all ages.

BTC: If I were coming with children ages 5 through 13  would your answer be the same and why?
SY: Yes for the same reasons. It’s just a great show for everyone and audiences, young and old just love it.

For additional information or tickets for the Acrobats of China or any of Branson’s shows and attractions or for lodging arrangements please contact the Branson Tourism Center (BTC), one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services. BTC can be reached by calling 800-875-1550 or by visiting their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.