The University of Wyoming will provide a rare and exciting experience Tuesday by hosting the Peking Acrobats to showcase what the group calls an “evolving folk art form” that is deeply rooted in Chinese history and culture.
The Peking Acrobats are an internationally known group of extremely gifted athletes whose stunts are sure to stun attendees. The Acrobats will perform tonight, Feb. 6 at 7:30 p.m. in the Arts & Sciences Auditorium.
The acrobats have displayed their unmatched agility, balance and concentration over the last three decades in theaters across the globe as well as on the silver screen.
Their most popular appearance came in Steven Soderbergh’s 2001 blockbuster, “Ocean’s 11,” which featured some of Hollywood’s biggest names, such as Brad Pitt and George Clooney.
Hosting the acrobats in Laramie is a special occasion given the group’s prominence worldwide. UW Presents, a unit within the College of Arts & Sciences, is tasked with bringing groups to the area for the entertainment of students and community members alike.
UW Presents director, Janelle Fletcher discusses the rare opportunity available to ticket holders.
“Because of the shape of the Acrobats’ Western tour took this year, they ended up with a hole in their tour and needed a booking,” Fletcher said. “It is precisely that situation that provides us with the ability to afford and present a company that otherwise is either at the top of, or above, our budget.”
Attendees unfamiliar with the Peking Acrobats can expect a performance similar to the likes of the well-known Cirque du Soleil shows where incredible feats of athleticism are paired with thematic music to create a truly remarkable experience.
The acrobats hold the Guinness World Record for the Human Chair Stack, a feat that is certainly worth searching on YouTube.
The group’s breathtaking abilities demonstrate years of commitment and training that is clearly evident in their mastery of such stunts.
It is these qualities that enticed UW Presents’ exclusive community co-sponsor, Studio Thrive, a fitness, nutrition and wellness studio based here in Laramie.
“We believe it is important to show support in sponsorship of events that showcase great physical talents and abilities as they marry with artistry,” Shea Ware, the owner and head coach at Studio Thrive, said. “It proves that there’s great beauty in athleticism and great athleticism in beauty.”
The show is expected to last for about two hours.
The Peking Acrobats are just a part of UW Presents’ seasonal entertainment lineup. Upcoming acts include pianist Daniela Liebman, rock and R&B three piece The Bad Plus, improv comedians Colin Mochrie and Brad Sherwood, and the Lysander Piano Trio.
