Documents 

This research study proposes an introduction to the performance art form contortion by examining its theories and functions throughout the 20th and 21st century. It considers themes such as the appropriation of contortionism during the golden age of Hollywood and discusses definition issues between contortionism and other disciplines with body flexibility, such as gymnastics and yoga. By examining the genesis of contortionism in ancient China, it aims to explore parallels between the origins of Chinese contortionism and the establishment of Chinese acrobatics. It offers points of discussion regarding the political use of contortionism in socialist China and the development and institutionalisation of acrobatic troupes since the founding of the People’s Republic of China in 1949. Lastly, it draws upon a Foucauldian perspective by examining the parallels between the Western training of soldiers during the 17th and 18th century, and methods of traditional Chinese acrobatic training in the 21st century. This research study aims to position the art of contortionism in scholarly literature, to open up this valuable field for future discussion and research, and as contribution to a better understanding of this art form for current and future contortion practitioners.

Circus celebrates the evolution of this gloriuos spectacle under the Big Top -- from its early days of Minoan horn-vaulting and medieval street performers through its heyday in Europe and North America with entrepreneurs such as P.T. Barnum and the Ringling family to the circus of today such as Cirque du Soleil. Illustrated with photographs, posters, paintings, and tickets from around the world, we are introduced to performers who have thrilled crowds with their daring and to world-famous clowns who have transformed comic routines into art. In this first comprehensive children's book on the subject, readers will discover the daily life of circus families, the music, training, and costumes, and the legends -- from Jumbo the elephant to the original "daring young man on the flying trapeze". Sidebars full of fascinating circus trivia about superstitions, "lot lingo", and circus inventions such as the leotard and pink lemonade, add to the fun. A fascinating inside look at one of the world's most daring and dazzling entertainments.[editor summary]

This picture album presents the prize-winning performances of Chinese acrobats in world competitions. Through this book, readers will enjoy the thrilling, spectacular, and faultless performances of Chinese acrobats. Acrobatics is a pearl in the treasure house of Chinese traditional art. From 1981 to 1987, Chinese acrobatic troupes competed at the Festival Mondial du Cirque de Demain, the Destival International du Cirque Monte-Carlo, and the Circus World Championships in London. Their excellent showings in these competitions caught the acrobatic world by surprise and won their admiration. [editor summary]

On les appelle les gens du voyage et font partie d’un univers à part : le cirque. Avec Dominique Mauclair, auteur de cette série documentaire, Laurent Chevallier a pu filmer ce qu’on ne voit jamais quand le rideau se lève ou lorsque les projecteurs du grand chapiteau s’éteignent sur la piste. Ces quatre films, tournés en Europe, en Asie et en Amérique, nous offrent un étonnant voyage dans le monde du cirque à travers ses trois grandes familles que sont les dresseurs, les acrobates et les clowns. [résumé de l'éditeur]

La troupe de cirque « Fei Fei » sillonne les routes de la province chinoise du Shanxi pour tenter de vivre de cette activité traditionnelle de divertissement populaire. Mais les évolutions économiques et sociales du pays font que le public n’est pas toujours nombreux, et le matériel toujours plus défectueux. Entre spectacles et déplacements, ambiances foraines et véhicules en perdition au bord des routes, moments de joie, de peine ou de fatigue, la vie de la troupe est ainsi confrontée aux rudes conditions d’existence des campagnes chinoises. Une métaphore de la Chine rurale contemporaine. [résumé de l'éditeur]

On a Tightrope is a heartwarming and beautiful documentary film with a grave backdrop. The documentary follows four children at a government orphanage in Xinjiang, China. The four are learning the ancient Uyghur tradition of Dawaz, tightrope walking.

The children’s struggle to master the tightrope becomes a metaphor for their lives, as they walk the line between being true to their cultural and religious heritage and the communist party’s harsh demands for obedience. [editor summary]