Tumbling into China

Cambodians Hun Reachsey (left) and Chen Chantha. Photos by Zou Hong / China Daily

American student Sara Kunz. Photos provided to China Daily

Beijing International Arts School is a big attraction for aspiring foreign acrobats. Chen Nan reports on a growing trend.

Sara Kunz wasn't interested in rest or recreation when she first visited Beijing. Curiosity about the country's culture, especially its acrobatics, inspired the 21-year-old Hawaiian to sign up for a one-year program at Beijing International Arts School, formerly known as Beijing Acrobatic School.

"I was a late starter in the world of circus so I wanted to train with people who would push me hard and have high expectations," says Kunz, who had just completed her bachelor's degree in fine arts at the University of Oregon in the United States before she arrived in China in the summer of 2011.

"I had seen several Chinese shows and was astounded and inspired, so I wanted to see how it's done and find out what the acrobatic scene is like in the capital of China."

Founded by the China National Acrobatic Troupe in 1999, BIAS has more than 60 students from around the world who, just like Kunz, learn traditional Chinese acrobatics.

Kunz had originally planned to study just the hula-hoop but ended up doing contortion, tumbling and hand balancing, too.

Her parents, who are doctors, used to have doubts about their daughter's career direction, but she has now convinced them that "pursuing a career and life in circus arts is not as crazy as it sounds".

"Now that I can do amazing skills and speak basic Chinese, my parents' attitudes have changed, especially after they saw my progress and how positively circus affected my life. Now they are supportive and proud of their daughter who is following her dream."

Kunz, who would love to work with Cirque du Soleil, says the acrobatic arts are always evolving, and she has more artistic freedom due to her China experience.

The mood in the school was old-fashioned and strict but thrilling, she says. The veteran Chinese teachers are mostly retired acrobats. They communicated through simple Chinese, English and gestures, she adds.