Arts & Entertainment

Acrobats Bring Tradition to the Carpenter Center

The Peking Acrobats, one of the world’s longest-running touring ensembles devoted to traditional Chinese acrobatic arts, will appear at the Richard & Karen Carpenter Performing Arts Center on the campus of California State University, Long Beach, on Saturday, Jan. 17, at 8 p.m.

Their return to Southern California marks their fifth appearance at the center and their first since 2017. Part of the Carpenter Center’s WOW! Series, the Peking Acrobats are joined in the series by Charo (Jan. 31) and Cirque Kalabanté – Afrique en Cirque (March 21).

Founded in 1986, The Peking Acrobats draw on centuries-old acrobatic arts while incorporating new technical achievements. Audiences of all ages will enjoy their performances of trick-cycling, precision tumbling, juggling, somersaulting, contortion, and gymnastics – executed with an emphasis on control, balance, and ensemble coordination.

Each generation of artists joins the company after rigorous training, contributing refinements to the troupe’s repertoire. In addition to acrobatics, musicians accompany the performance live on traditional Chinese instruments, evoking the festive qualities of a Chinese carnival.

The acrobatic ensemble’s work spans stage, film, orchestral collaborations, and world-record feats. The troupe set the world record for the Human Chair Stack during an appearance on the FOX Network’s Guinness Book Primetime, balancing six performers on six chairs 21 feet in the air. Their work has also entered popular culture through appearances in film and television. Company members were featured in Steven Soderbergh’s Ocean’s Eleven, performing alongside principal cast members, while alumnus Shaobo Qin reprised his role in Ocean’s Twelve and Ocean’s Thirteen.

Additional company credits include Unfabulous, The Wayne Brady Show, That’s Incredible, ABC’s Wide World of Sports, and NBC’s Ring In the New Year Holiday special. The Peking Acrobats have also collaborated with orchestras, including the Hollywood Bowl, Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, and San Diego Symphony Orchestra.

Tickets to see The Peking Acrobats start at $38.75 or may be purchased alongside Charo and Cirque Kalabanté for only $117 as part of the WOW! Series.

Tickets are available at carpenterarts.org.