The death-defying Flying Farfans are said to have had spectators in the palms of their hands with heart-stopping hi-jinks during the third day of the 3rd China International Circus Festival.

Seven aerial acrobats from the United States, Chile, and Mexico staged the high-flying act on Nov 21 at Chimelong Hengqin Theater. Precisely situated under the big top were ominous props that stirred audience anticipation. In addition to the superbly choreographed criss-cross flying act, a breathtaking moment occurred when a female trapeze artist somersaulted thrice to be snatched in mid-air at the last possible moment. Her trail of flips broke traditional paths since she is the only one in the world able to do so. 

Flying Farfans

Clowns, however, have to be the most versatile of all circus performers. They must be acrobatic, have the quickness of a magician, and play music instruments, all while making the audience laugh. In those regards, Deriabkin Vladimir Clown did not disappoint with his plate-spinning act. At the climax, the Russian had eight dishes on eight sticks spinning simultaneously while he added torque to prevent plates from falling and tossed in a new stick and plate. To make things even more difficult, there was an overly tall stick out of reach, and he had to entice a willing volunteer to help as part of the circus show.

Next up was a faux mannequin show with an actual man pretending to be a dummy. The routine by Les Frères Taquins entranced the audience, which by the end of it still couldn’t exactly figure out whether the figurine was man or machine.

The Belgian troupe has performed at some of the world’s top circuses and cabaret shows, such as the Knie National Circus of Switzerland, Longkali Circus of Germany, Big Apple Circus in the US, and Crazy Horse Saloon in Paris. 

Gibadulin Jugglers

The Gibadulin Jugglers presented a “stage miracle” of supreme hand skills and science fiction in a wizardly world formed by 12 Russians. They have a superb lineup of artists, advanced techniques, and exceptional audio-visual effects and choreography fused with acrobatics and dance. 

The performance captivated audiences with innovative use of makeup, costumes, lighting, and props. Performers are not just skillful individually but also act as a seamless collective. The most impressive act was the juggling in a three-person pyramid formation. The act takes place on a fanciful stage that is designed to look like the entrance to a magical forest.

Comedy performance [Photos by Zhong Fan / Zhuhai Daily]