An International Circus Affair: how a Nanjing acrobat in San Francisco changed American circus forever
Anyone who has attended a circus—whether Cirque du Soleil, Pickle Family Circus, Big Apple, or any of the other small circuses that tour the country—has been wowed by the heart-stopping, amazing acrobatic performances. But most of us don’t know the history behind those talented performers using the teeterboards, hoops, poles, and spinning bowls.
This well-researched history, written by a performer himself, documents how Lu Yi, already famous in China, came to San Francisco in 1990 and began teaching generations of acrobats who then influenced shows throughout North America. The book is rich with quotes from dozens of people who participated in creating “circus as an art form,” a far cry from the days of bowing elephants and galloping horses. Six parts (appropriately called “acts” here) cover the period from 1947 through 2021, with a timeline and references also provided.
I particularly enjoyed the sections which give more insight into the personalities and individuals involved. The final act describes how these new generations of American performers traveled to China to train the traditionalists in new forms. A loving tribute to Lu Yi and to acrobats, this book is a must-read for circus buffs.
Author | Jeff Raz, Thom Wall |
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Star Count | 4/5 |
Format | Trade |
Page Count | 312 pages |
Publisher | Modern Vaudeville Press |
Publish Date | 01-Oct-2024 |
ISBN | 9781958604243 |
Bookshop.org | Buy this Book |
Issue | December 2024 |
Category | Architecture & Photography |
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