Theater Preview: Chinese Acrobatics Will Amaze At “Cirque Zíva”

This Friday, the Golden Dragon Acrobats’ “Cirque Zíva” will open at the New Victory Theater. Hailing from China’s Hebei Province, the world-renowned troupe will perform awesome acrobatic stunts in this innovative celebration of a 2,000-year-old art form. The show will run through January 4, 2015. For more information and ticketing, click here.

Chinese Lion Dance
The performers transform into a fierce lion during the traditional Chinese Lion Dance, which actually mimics the movement of a dragon. The dance is famously performed during the Chinese New Year and at various other religious events and celebrations.
The "Glass Pagoda"
A contortionist carefully balances a set of more than 60 wine glasses in an act known as the “Glass Pagoda.” This type of act originated in the People’s Republic of China, and was the first type of Chinese act to be entered at an international circus festival, which it went on to win.
The Diablo
In the Diablo act, acrobats gracefully juggle the Diablo--a prop made from an axle and two cups. The Diablo originated from the traditional Chinese yo-yo created during the12th century.
Spinning Rings
Acrobats showcase strength, balance, and agility during the colorful spinning ring act. This particular act is a form of gymnastics that originated and remains in Germany, known as the "German Wheel." The wheels in the photo are referred to as “Rhönrad.”
Plate Spinning
A thousand hands can be seen balancing and spinning plates on tall poles, as the Golden Dragon Acrobats synchronize their movements.This form of plate-spinning is a traditional Chinese specialty that was exported to the west by European circus troupes in the 19th century.
Contortionists
Three contortionists flex every part of their bodies and work together to form a breathtaking image of a human rectangle in the Group Contortion act. Contortion, which requires incredible strength and flexibility, is one of the oldest forms of acrobatics in China.
Tower of Chairs
A member of the Golden Dragon Acrobats carefully balances on a 30-ft high Tower of Chairs. The traditional skill of chair acrobatics can be traced back more than 2,000 years ago, all the way to the Han Dynasty.
Bicycle Family Act
The Golden Dragon Acrobats blaze onto the New Victory stage, performing their Bicycle Family act. Cycling acrobatics were originally imported from Europe in the early 19th century, and are one of the rare additions to the tradition of Chinese acrobatics.

Instituto Cervantes

Children and teenagers learn to understand and express themselves in Spanish, while improving their communication skills through a dynamic immersion program taught by NATIVE TEACHERS that combines CLASSES, ARTISTIC WORKSHOPS and FUN ACTIVITIES! All of our high-qualified teachers are native Spanish speakers who adapt the structure of the class to the needs and levels of each group while conducting the classes entirely in Spanish. We offer both Spanish Summer Camps and Regular Courses for children along the year to foster language learning and multicultural understanding.

Chickenshed NYC

Chickenshed is an inclusive theatre company that began in the UK in 1974. Chickenshed NYC is a young organization bringing that same ethos and unique methodology to the USA. Chickenshed&rsquo;s mission is to create entertaining and outstanding theatre that celebrates diversity and inspires positive change. Chickenshed's model of Inclusive Theatre is based in the belief that everyone can flourish when everyone is included. At Chickenshed everyone is welcome, everyone is valued, and together we produce remarkable theatre. We want to break down barriers between people to create a world without labels and where differences no longer divide. At Chickenshed, support is given to those who need it, and given by those who can . We believe that creative activities, self-expression and performance should be available to anyone who has the desire, no matter their background or circumstances. We know that when everyone has the opportunity to shine, amazing things happen. Chickenshed NYC provides programming for little ones, children and youth through semester-long activities and performances.