Chinese Acrobats

Acrobats are highly regarded in China, and take many years of practice to master the art. Children begin intense training as young as four, and begin training with a troupe around age eight. For roughly two years, children practice the fundamentals, like flexibility, strength, and balancing. Following these two years, children will practice particular routines for four or five years, until they are ready to perform around age sixteen.
Along with their physical strength and ability, acrobats practice Chi Kung. This Asian philosophy focuses on inner strength and aims to get the mind and body to work in harmony.
Over the past few decades, the Chinese have formed over 120 troupes with more than 12,000 acrobats. These acrobats have traveled to over one hundred countries to entertain and strengthen international bonds. Some traditional Chinese acrobatic routines include; "Lion Dance, Cycling Feats, Tight-wire feats, Traditional Style Conjuring, Hoop Diving, and Wushu."