Traditional Chinese culture may no longer be as popular as they used to be among Chinese people these days, but it nonetheless forms a great deal of Angela and Danny Chang's continuing passion project, the Golden Dragon Acrobats.
With the goal of introducing various facets of Chinese culture through mind-boggling entertainment to contemporary audiences, the Golden Dragon Acrobats is a company formed by a team of professional acrobats coming from acrobatic schools across China and Taiwan.
Performers belonging to the Golden Dragon Acrobats feature a variety of acrobatic skills that represent various traditions in Chinese culture that include folk dances, contortionism, and juggling, among many others. Angela describes the company's efforts as one that promotes cultural exchange effectively.
The Salt Lake Tribune said that the selection process for the Golden Dragon Acrobats involves handpicking by both Angela and Danny themselves. Lien Chi Chang, Danny's father, founded the company back in 1967 and started out by performing around China and Taiwan.
International exposure came by when Danny, who took over in 1985 after years of being a touring member, focused on touring the Golden Dragon Acrobats around the globe, starting with the U.S. in 1985. The company has since garnered recognition and accolades worldwide, Broadway World reported.
Angela also shares the same passion with her husband Danny, having been a multi-awarded figure in performance arts herself. A graduate of the Chinese Cultural College for Dance and Music, she recalibrated her specialization in ballet and dance to choreography and design for the Golden Dragon Acrobats.
Each member of the Golden Dragon Acrobats has started performing as early as the age of seven, though varieties in skillsets prompt the company to adjust the act accordingly every year. Impressively, performers range from eight-year-old kids to seniors that are around 80 years of age.
The Golden Dragon Acrobats are currently touring around the U.S., with their next show scheduled on March 15 at the Ames Center in Burnsville, Minnesota. Get a glimpse of the company's dazzling performances through the video below: