Revered National Circus of People’s Republic of China to perform in Fairfax and Manassas

Witness many astounding feats – including Grand Teeterboard, Grand Flying Trapeze, Group Contortion, balancing acts, juggling and more – when one of China’s most acclaimed and influential circus troupes isbringing its inaugural North American tour Oct. 19-21 to the Hylton Center in Manassas and the George Mason University Center for the Arts in Fairfax.

Founded in 1953, this celebrated circus troupe is revered across China and has received numerous prestigious awards at international circus festivals, including the Monte Carlo International Circus Festival, Cirque de Demain and the China National Acrobatic Competition

Direct from Beijing, the National Circus of the People’s Republic of China will present “Cirque Chinois,” its sparking new production, at GMU’s Center for the Arts in Fairfax on Friday, Oct. 19, at 8 p.m. and Saturday, Oct. 20, at 2 and 8 p.m. as part of the Center’s Great Performances at Mason season.  These performances are a part of the 2012-2013 Global View series, which is sponsored by HSBC Bank.

On Sunday, Oct. 21, at 4 p.m. the circus troupe will appear at the Hylton Performing Arts Center in Manassas as part of its Hylton Presents season, which is sponsored by Prince William Hospital. A pre-performance discussion will be held 45 minutes prior to the performance in the

For 45 minutes before every performance ticketholders can engage in free preperformance discussion, on the Center’s Grand Tier III at GMU and at Hylton Center’s Buchanan Partners Art Gallery. 
 
National Circus of the People’s Republic of China has had a profound influence on the world circus society through its introduction of the “non-animal circus,” according to Jill Graziano Laiacona, public and media relations coordinator, for the two venues.

This prompted the pioneers of the Cirque du Soleil to invite the company’s coaches to teach Cirque du Soleil performers their acts, resulting in a revolutionary new program called “Circus Reinvented!” In addition, the company’s flying trapeze troupe has been invited to perform with Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus. The ensemble owns the famous Wuhan Circus Center in China, which is home to the biennial Wuhan International Circus Festival.

For “CIRQUE CHINOIS” tickets at GMU Fairfax visit the box office Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., charge by phone at 888-945-2468 or visit cfa.gmu.edu. The Center for the Arts complex is located at the intersection of Braddock Road and Route 123. Paid parking is located in the Mason Pond Parking Deck adjacent the Concert Ha. FREE parking is located in university Lot K.

For “CIRQUE CHINOIS” tickets at the Hylton Center visit the box office Tuesday-Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Thursday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.), charge by phone at 888-945-2468 or go to HyltonCenter.org. The Hylton Performing Arts Center is located on George Mason University’s Prince William Campus at 10960 George Mason Circle, Manassas, Va., 20110. FREE parking is available in the lot next to the Hylton Center.