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).
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
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.”
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.”
Thursday, February 17, 2011
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.
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.
Monday, January 3, 2011
In Branson MO: Song Ying an amazing Acrobat of China
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.
 |
| Song Ying gives the Chinese symbol for Okay. |
“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.
Monday, November 29, 2010
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
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
Sunday, November 7, 2010
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.
(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.
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