In the U.S. for the first time in decades, one of China's top acrobatic troupes brings its daring feats to the Gallo Center

For the first time in 20 years, one of China's top acrobatic troupes is touring the United States.

The National Acrobats of China bring 38 performers to the Gallo Center for the Arts tonight with a show designed to thrill the audience. The show, in the 1,200-seat Rogers Theater, is sold out.

"Most acrobatic troupes from China that toured to the States during the past 10 to 20 years represented the second- or third-rate acrobatic troupes in China," tour manager Han Ning wrote in an e-mail.

He added that his company has won top awards from major international circus festivals and Chinese national competitions.

In one act, female acrobats spin eight to 10 plates on the tops of sticks.

"It needs special training energy of wrists, and furthermore, the girls give a performance of tap dance and acrobatic tricks with all the plates spinning in their hands," Ning wrote.

In other acts, male acrobats dive through rings on a table, girls balance on a stack of benches supported by one girl, and a female acrobat rides a bicycle with 14 to 15 other girls and women on it.

The touring acrobats were selected from 180 members of the China Performing Arts Agency. Most of the acrobats started training between ages 6 and 12 and have performed throughout Asia, Europe and South America.

They practice at least six to eight hours a day during rehearsals and try to warm up two hours a day before performances. Injuries are rare because the performers are all highly trained, Ning said.

The National Acrobats of China will visit more than 60 cities during this North America trip. The goal is "to build a true image of an excellent acrobatic troupe from China among the American audiences," Ning said.

Bee arts writer Lisa Millegan can be reached at 578-2313 or lmillegan@modbee.com.

This story was originally published January 15, 2009 at 4:33 PM with the headline "In the U.S. for the first time in decades, one of China's top acrobatic troupes brings its daring feats to the Gallo Center."