Acrobats from Rudong Youth Acrobatic Troupe perform Dreaming of the Sea – The Sea, The Child. [Photo/Nantong Daily]

An acrobatic troupe from Rudong county in Nantong has achieved a historic breakthrough, becoming the only county-level ensemble to win top honors in both the repertoire and program categories at the 13th National Acrobatic Showcase.

The showcase, a premier national acrobatic arts event, concluded on Aug 15 in Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region, after a month-long run of performances.

The Rudong Youth Acrobatic Troupe took home the "Outstanding Repertoire" award for Dreaming of the Sea – The Sea, The Child and the "Outstanding Program" award for The Rescuers · Ladder. The double win marks a milestone for the troupe, which was founded nearly 70 years ago.

Dreaming of the Sea – The Sea, The Child is a work that draws its foundation from the coastal culture of Rudong. Inspired by the stories of local fishermen, the production follows a young boy's quest to save marine life. The production is enhanced by lighting, sound effects and multimedia technology, immersing audiences in an underwater world while delivering a powerful message about environmental protection.

The Rescuers · Ladder reimagines the drama of a fire scene through two acrobatic forms — balance ladder and human pyramid. Fourteen performers build a human ladder with their bodies, their movements evoking the silhouettes of firefighters rushing into danger. As the climactic explosion unfolds, the performers' bodies become shields protecting the vulnerable — transforming the physical risks of acrobatics into a visceral tribute to courage and sacrifice.