Chinese performers flip hearts in Azerbaijan with stunning production

BAKU — The Sea Breeze Circus arena in Azerbaijan's capital Baku was buzzing with excitement earlier in December, as more than 1,000 spectators witnessed the debut performance of an acrobatic troupe from Liaocheng, Shandong province.

The show was the first encounter with Chinese acrobatics for Elnara, one of the audience members, who said: "I was deeply moved by the artists' mastery."

The program featured classic Chinese acrobatic acts, including the lion dance, aerial silk duets, and the bench dragon, showcasing the art form's rich heritage.

During the lion dance, performers demonstrated virtuoso control of the body and perfect coordination, moving in sync with the rhythmic music. They brought the lion to life with majestic power and playful humor — from fierce roars and mane shakes to cheeky winks — embodying Eastern aesthetic refinement and symbolizing wishes for happiness and prosperity.

The aerial silks act saw a male-female duo twisting and soaring through the air, blending strength and grace. Their exquisite technique harmonized seamlessly with the melody of a Chinese song.

"We came to Baku all the way from Mingachevir with our children," said Gultekin Mammadova. "The performance by the Chinese artists was thrilling, especially the aerial silk duet. It was simply incredible and deeply impressive."

Tension filled the hall when the artists began the bench dragon act. A long dragon, assembled from more than 20 benches, was balanced atop the acrobats' heads, heightening the suspense.

The performers' composure and astonishing ability to control the complex structure led to a prolonged eruption of applause.

Liaocheng acrobatic art was included in the first list of China's national-level intangible cultural heritage in 2006. The Liaocheng Acrobatic Troupe tour in Azerbaijan will run until Sunday.

The event was organized by Allahverdi Israfilov, a man who has an intimate relationship with Chinese circus arts. As the director of the Sea Breeze Circus and a former aerial gymnast, Israfilov spent years working in Chinese circuses and winning awards for his performances. He praised the evolving vitality of Chinese acrobatic art.

Israfilov noted that as Azerbaijan-China relations continue to deepen, particularly within the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative, interest among Azerbaijanis in Chinese culture has been steadily growing.

This year, he decided to invite a Chinese acrobatic troupe to Azerbaijan to help local audiences better understand China. "We were delighted to invite the Chinese circus to perform as part of our New Year program and showcase the artists' mastery," he said.

"The Chinese artists are very friendly and easy to collaborate with, which opens great prospects for cooperation in the circus field," Israfilov said.