Monday, January 3, 2011

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.