Great China Circus in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee: Human Pretzels!
Chinese acrobats have been performing their art since 500 B.C.; so to say they know their subject is an understatement. The acrobats come from the Three Gorges Province of China. Thirty-seven performers, up to 500 bright, colorful costumes and a mix of oriental and mainstream music ad to the awe and amazement you will experience during two full hours of entertainment.
Barnum and Bailey have nothing on these performers when it comes to tumbles, juggling trapeze feats and human pyramids. The human bungee spinner gains momentum as each performer is added to the pole. Humans are flying and flipping everywhere. Ever heard the phrase “lit up like a Christmas tree?” One of the flexible performers becomes a human Christmas tree as she is given lit candles one at a time. She adds these candles to her head, hands, and feet and never drops one as she exhibits her flexibility.
You’ll be asking which end is up, when you see how twisted and contorted some of these performers can become. Muscle control? They have it. Can you hold yourself at a ninety-degree angle to a pole? They can. Hats, plates, rings and boomerangs travel through the air. Even though there is little to no speaking, exaggerated movements and gestures ensure the audience understands. Duck when the giant boomerang comes out-just kidding.
Towards the end of the Great China Circus show, the kids will be amazed at the little “pandas” (performers in costume) as they cavort around the stage, tumble over balls and dance to the “chicken dance” song. The two Chinese dogs (humans inside, similar to the familiar Chinese dragons) also entertain the kids with their antics. The show lasts two hours with a 15-minute intermission. After the show, take the opportunity to speak with the performers and get autographs-or tips on how to do that twisted up, see yourself walking away thing.
Great China Circus Tickets
Tickets are $24.50 for adults, $22.50 for seniors and $15.00 for children 7-13, 6 and under children are free. The Great China Circus is well worth the admission price. Purchase tickets on-line only if you will be rushed for time. Once you arrive in the Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg areas, you will find brochure racks just about everywhere. Check them to see if there are any discount coupons. Also, there are discount ticket sellers where you may be able to purchase discounted tickets for a variety of attractions.
Great China Circus Show Times
Schedules Are Subject to Change without notice, so call ahead or check on-line.
Regular show times are 3:00 pm, 6:00 pm and 8:00 pm, depending on the day of the week and time of the year.
Great China Circus Address
1304 Parkway
Sevierville, TN (near Wal-Mart)
Great China Circus Contact
1-866-43-CHINA
www.greatchinacircus.com
The Mandarin House restaurant is nearby and currently offers a dinner and show special, call 865-774-8980. Or, bring a receipt from The Great China Circus and receive 15% off entire family buffet!
