Festival Dance and Performing Arts Association

Golden Dragon Acrobats: Cirque D’Or

“The spectacle is the color and the breathtaking circus acts that they do”

The Golden Dragon Acrobats represent the best of a time honored tradition that began more than twenty-seven centuries ago. Cirque D’Or combines award-winning acrobatics, costumes, traditional dance, ancient and contemporary music and theatrical techniques to present a show of skill and beauty.

Direct from Hebei, China, the company has traveled around the world to all 50 states and to over 65 countries on five continents performing their awesome feats of athleticism. With performers trained in the rigorous art of acrobatics since early youth, the troupe has garnered international acclaim, and has been presented with several major awards. The members of the Golden Dragon Acrobats are actors, athletes, and artists, with an unmistakable love for their art and sharing it with audiences all over the world. A “don’t miss” event!

Manding Jata, The Lion of Mali; April 18, 3:00, Beasley Coliseum

Let MANDING JATA transport you to the great Manding/Mali Empire centered in the fabled city of Timbuktu to experience the fascinating music, dance and oral traditions of the Mande speaking peoples of West Africa. The performance will include a music and dance theatre presentation called the, “Sunjata Epic,” unfurling one of the great stories of human history – the rise of the invalid prince Sunjata Keita, and the founding of the Mali Empire. Ancient and unusual instruments, colorful masks, and athletic displays of strength, grace and acrobatics make this program a unique experience long to be remembered.

Manding Jata has performed for enthusiastic audiences around the world. Canadian press has said “the thrills explode” and “the audience is bathed in the complex beauty of Manding culture”. Australian press described it as a “Complex Cultural Circus”, and in Bermuda it was called “a stunningly sophisticated blend.”