In Bamboo Poles, six men manoeuvre long poles symbolising fire. The poles are
4.8 metres (15.75 feet) long and weigh 7.5 kilograms (16.5 lbs.). The artists demonstrate
a keen sense of precision and synchronisation as they keep the poles 'in flight' overhead
while performing acrobatic feats on the ground.
Yao (fire) next introduces the Bamboo Pole act that is appropriately
accompanied by the song "Bamboo." The song features a lot of heavy
percussion and screams that could easily be found in the plains of
Africa. Six men are in control of their
destinies as they maneouver 15 3/4 feet long poles
that weight almost 17 pounds in the air. Their precise
movements allow them to balance the poles on the palms
of their hands without any other support. And, in
synchronous action, they throws the poles into the air,
leaving themselves just enough time to perform a sumersault
and catch it again before it hits the ground.
At times, the bamboo performers bang their poles on the stage
in time with the music that embellishes this ancient Chinese ritual.
Yao also dances with an imposingly sharp teeth-chattering weapon to
conclude the act.
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