Nigerians who are already used to Chinese
dishes and China have something new
coming: An entertainment fare that is a
novelty in this clime. This is not about
bouncing castles and balloons. It involves
wit, grit and humour. Every member of
the family is in reckoning. Nseobong
Okon-Ekong previews preparation for the
debut of the Chinese Circus Show in
Nigeria.
They gave the world ‘Kung Fu fighting’
methods and much of what has become
known as martial arts or arms free method
of combat. Generations have continued to
be fascinated by these methods which tend
to defy normal human expressions. Again,
in gymnastics, the Chinese and the Russians
have shown the world the way to go. With
a developmental programme that catches
them young, China continues to make a
huge impression on the rest of the world an
unbeatable record in callisthenic.
Memories of the last Olympic Games in China
abound where audiences around the world
were held spellbound with superlative
displays.
Nigerian audiences in six major cities will
soon enjoy the electrifying Chinese Circus
show from the Qibu Circus Troupe. The 90-
day show which will cover Lagos, Abuja,
Port Harcourt , Enugu, Kaduna, and Calabar.
According to Ebun Roberts, CEO of Cranes
and Ladders Limited, organisers of the tour
“The show will feature more of everything,
from more momentum, more elements of
surprise, more audience involvement, more
energy and super Chinese circus heroes and
heroines than ever before.”
Mr. Roberts stated that “with over 100
shows spread across six cities in Nigeria ,
the Circus Tour will be the first platform to
provide brand owners a world class
entertainment event that cuts across all
segments. We are also going to have circus
workshops which would provide the
platform for kids from different
backgrounds to get together and build
profitable relationships in a fun
environment”.
Also speaking at the press briefing on the
proposed tour, Mr. Tosin Olukoga, Executive
Director of Cranes and Ladders Limited,
disclosed that “the tour is designed to
encourage group visits to a fun
environment. It will have family funfair
days where the shows will be staged under
a ‘Circus Big Top’ in an open field venue
with loads of side attractions for adults and
kids alike”. Mr Olukoga added that “there
will be special shows for students in
primary and secondary schools and tertiary
institutions in all the cities.”
Elaborating on the circus workshops for
children, Mr Olukoga pointed out that
“recent research has proven the benefits of
circus skills in Educational Programmes. It
has been successfully used as an
educational tool, and has been used
therapeutically with children at risk. Circus
skills can enable pupils to discover within
themselves the skills which can provide all
kinds of creative solutions. Skills such as
concentration, retention, conceptual
understanding and self-awareness, which
can be transferred to a social setting and
applied to more conventional learning
situations in the core subjects. “
Mr. Olukoga further disclosed that there will
be grand performances in high brow
venues including theaters and halls across
the country.
Mr. Roberts pointed out that the Qibu Circus
Troupe is a professional acrobatic troupe
established in 1976, adding that “through
the years, it has become a very famous and
sought after circus troupe. Its strength lies
in the repertoire of the older professionals
passed down to the younger ones in a
meticulous tradition of excellence. At
present there are more than 80 professional
acrobats and artists in the troupe”.
The Cranes and Ladders CEO further
disclosed that “Qibu Circus Troupe makes
full use of modern technique and
equipment in addition to the traditional
acrobatic forms to effect a modern relish to
the age old arts. The acrobats constantly
create superior and excellent acrobatic
masterpieces such as: Lion Dance , Rotating
Blanket, Foot Skill, Trapeze, Hoop Diving,
Plate Spinning, Play Diablo, Collective Bicycle,
among others.
Mr. Roberts added that some of Nigeria ’s
brightest, most versatile and energetic
acrobats, dancers, and drummers from
different parts of the country would be
performing alongside the Chinese in the
various shows. “You need to see them!
They look like mythical creatures, delivering
bright colors, infatuating rhythms,
fascinating dance and acrobatic moves.
They are so full of energy that they
generate an extremely stimulating and
exciting impact!! They bring unique combos
into the acts that make this magical circus a
truly remarkable experience.”
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