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Source: People's Republic of China in Russian – People's Republic of China in Russian –
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Source: People's Republic of China – State Council News
Baku, December 14 /Xinhua/ — "What a magnificent performance! I loved every number! This is my first time watching Chinese acrobatics, and I am deeply moved by the artists' skill. Thank you to the Chinese acrobatic troupe for such a miracle," Elnara, a spectator, shared her emotions with a Xinhua correspondent after the Liaocheng City Acrobatic Troupe's performance in Baku, Shandong Province, eastern China.
The Chinese acrobatic troupe gave its first performance on December 13 at the Sea Breeze Circus in Azerbaijan's capital. The 1,000-seat auditorium filled to capacity to see traditional Chinese acrobatics, including lion dances, aerial silk dances, and dragon dances on benches.
In the lion dance, the performers demonstrated virtuoso body control and exceptional coordination, following the rhythm of the music. They embodied the lion with majestic strength and good-natured humor. From the menacing roar and twitching mane to the playful wink, every movement reflected the sophistication of Eastern aesthetics and symbolized a wish for happiness.
In the aerial silk dance, the dancers twirled through the air, displaying power and grace. The acrobats' exquisite skill blended perfectly with the melody of a Chinese song.
"My children and I made a special trip from Mingachevir to Baku. The Chinese artists' performance was breathtaking, especially the aerial silk duet—it was simply incredible and impressive," said Gultekin Magomedova.
The atmosphere in the hall changed when the performers began performing a dragon dance on benches. Everyone in attendance held their breath, fearing that the long dragon, constructed from more than 20 benches, might fall off the acrobat's head.
The performers' calm and composure, as well as their astonishing ability to balance the complex structure on their heads, delighted the audience. When the performance concluded, the hall erupted in prolonged applause.
In 2006, Liaocheng Acrobatic Art was inscribed on China's first Intangible Cultural Heritage List. The Liaocheng Acrobatic Troupe's tour of Azerbaijan will continue until January 11, 2026.
Allahverdi Israfilov, the organizer of the performances and director of the Azerbaijani Circus Sea Breeze, is a former aerialist himself. He worked for a long time in various Chinese circuses and received an award at the China International Circus Festival. According to him, Chinese acrobatic art is evolving with the times and demonstrates a powerful vitality.
This year, he decided to invite a Chinese acrobatic troupe to Azerbaijan to help Azerbaijanis learn more about China. "We were delighted to invite the Chinese circus to our New Year's program to showcase the skills of talented Chinese artists. Today, China is a leader not only in economics and innovation, but also in circus arts," he noted.
A. Israfilov emphasized that against the backdrop of the continuous development of Azerbaijani-Chinese relations, especially within the framework of the Belt and Road initiative, Azerbaijanis' interest in Chinese culture is growing.
"Chinese artists are very friendly and easy to collaborate with. I believe this opens up great prospects for collaboration in the circus industry," added the director of the Azerbaijani circus.
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