World-Renowned Golden Dragon Acrobats to Perform at EIU
Nov-07-2005 
For more than 27 centuries, Chinese acrobats have been thrilling audiences, making it the longest running folk art form in history. In China, acrobats are revered much the same way prima ballerinas and opera singers are in the West.
The performers of the Golden Dragon Acrobats represent the best of this honored tradition, mixing award-winning acrobatics, traditional dance, spectacular costumes and ancient and contemporary theatrical techniques to present a show of breathtaking skill and spellbinding beauty.
And they are bringing that show to the campus of Eastern Illinois University.
A performance will take place at 8 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 10, in McAfee Gym. Admission is $5 for the general public, and $3 for EIU faculty, staff and students, senior citizens and children 12 and under. Tickets may be purchased at the door or in advance via the University Union Ticket Office, open 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. weekdays. Visa/Mastercard are accepted. Purchases may be made in person or over the phone at (217) 581-5122.
The Golden Dragon Acrobats have become the world's leading Chinese acrobatic troupe, performing more than any other company. Director of the troupe, world-renowned impresario Danny Chang, and choreographer Angela Chang combine their expertise, love of their art and life-long discipline in producing tours for the GDA.
Their dedication has brought their company from the Cangzhou, Hebei province in China, around the world to all 50 states and more than 65 countries on five continents, including performances at such prestigious venues as the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Germany's Elspe Festival, the Brooklyn Academy of Music, Caesar's Palace in Atlantic City and the Seattle Children's Festival.
With performers trained in the rigorous art of Chinese acrobats since early youth, the GDA have garnered international acclaim. The group counts among its awards seven National Association of Campus Activities (NACA) Entertainer of the Year Awards and the Campus Activities Today's Performers of the Year Award.
Now marking their 28th year of continuous touring in the U.S., the members of the GDA are actors, athletes and artists, with an unmistakable love for their art. Their spellbinding feats of physical daring and grace, enhanced by elaborate traditional costumes in brilliant colors and a combination of ancient and contemporary theatrical techniques, continue to enthrall audiences of all ages.
For more on this amazing group, including photos, please see http://www.artfegan.com/CGDA/CGDA_Home.htm.
