Acrobats from China perform in La Conner

La Conner High schoolers “oohed and aahed” and clapped enthusiastically for the Chinese Acrobats, who put on a dazzling performance last Wednesday at the high school gym.

The four young performers, dressed in colorful costume, balanced various items precariously on their feet and heads while performing impressive athletic feats. The youngest performer, 12-year-old Ma Rong Ge, displayed her strength and flexibility in a bent handstand while her co-performer, Ren Zhuang Ran, 20, added metal platforms underneath the girl’s hands.

The students watched in silence as the girl swung herself from one hand to the other, climbing taller and taller platforms. The crowd erupted in applause each time the performer rebalanced herself as she made her way closer to the ceiling.

The two young men who performed, Ma Zhiwang and Xie Yu, 20 and 23 respectively, casually tossed large, decorative pottery in the air, catching the heavy vases on the backs of their necks. They also rapidly maneuvered in and out of spinning lassos, a feat that would make even the best schoolyard jump-ropers envious.

Several audience volunteers attempted to recreate a few of the performers’ tricks, mostly unsuccessfully — but one quick learner was able to pull off a hat-catching trick.

The Chinese Acrobats are currently on a tour to several schools and will eventually return to China for rest and practice before visiting the U.S again for more performances. The traveling show is from the Bureau of Lectures & Concert Artists, a Kansas-based group that produces assemblies and shows for schools.