Two groups of Chinese artistes dazzled southerners with their amazing cultural display at a function celebrating their country's anniversary and diplomatic links with T&T on October 4. Members of the Chinese Arts and Culture Studies Society, as well as the Suining Folk Art Troupe, held guests spellbound with their magnificent balancing acts, magic, dance and comic juggling skills. Held at V's Members Club, San Fernando, on Sunday October 4, the troupes performed on a big stage, while hundreds of guests enjoyed an elaborate spread of Chinese cuisine and delicacies.
Members of the Chinese Arts and Culture Studies Society perform the Lion Dance.
To the beat of drums and cymbals, two young men enacted the popular lion dance. They portrayed the lion's power and dexterity by lifting each other, rolling and jumping in unison, on three different platforms, of varying heights. Daintily dressed female acrobats each twirled eight tea plates on sticks, leaped, flipped, did cartwheels and formed human pyramids, without loosing their balance. But the ultimate show of perfection came from one contortionist, who supported four trays of 13 wine-filled glasses on her hands and feet–plus a long wine rack resembling a candelabra, holding five more glasses, in her mouth. All this while moving gracefully from one position to the next.
A group of three young boys also demonstrated their athletic strength, flawless balance, as well as their playful nature, while juggling straw hats. MC Johnny Chow explained that it takes years of training, both physical and spiritual, to achieve the kind of excellence displayed on the southern stage, Chow said in the past 35 years since diplomatic relations were established, many Chinese troupes have visited this country to promote friendship and cultural exchanges. Chow said acrobats to China are like prima ballerinas or opera singers in the West. "There was a time when these troupes played only to royalty, so you in T&T are very lucky," Chow said.
Patrons attending the 60th anniversary of the Founding of the People's Republic of China have a wonderful time at Southland Mall, Cross Crossing, San Fernando.