"The Amazing Feats of dexterity and skill that these individuals possess is truly a breath taking experience"
By Douglas Wagganer
Douglas Wagganer and his daughter Maribeth
If you want to have an enjoyable evening of entertainment with your wife and three year old daughter, then attend a performance of the Shangri-La Chinese Acrobats the next time they are in town. The Amazing Feats of dexterity and skill that these individuals possess is truly a breath taking experience. This traveling troop of Artisans, are a group of Chinese Performers from the People's Republic of China, who do traveling acrobatic road shows.
The Center of Creative Arts or as it is known locally "COCA", located at 524 Trinity Avenue in University City, Missouri 63130, recently hosted the Shangri-La Chinese Acrobatic Group over the weekend of October 24th - 26th, 2003. My family and I attended the Saturday Evening Performance. The one-hour show had us mesmerized in excitement. We were thrilled by the dazzling costumes. Entertained by the brilliant display of inner strength and strong self-discipline. But, most of all we touched by a cultural event that brought us closer together as a family.
 
My daughter Maribeth chattered all that Saturday Afternoon that she was going to see the "Chinese Acrobats". Later that night, as my wife and Maribeth dressed in their Silk Chinese Dress Jackets, Maribeth repeatedly asked when she could see the "Chinese Acrobats". All during dinner that night and again as we drove to COCA, she would not stop asking us when she could see the "Chinese
Acrobats". In fact, everyone in the COCA Theater knew Maribeth was there to see the "Chinese Acrobats", because she told everyone she was there to see the "Chinese Acrobats".
When the show started Maribeth squealed with excitement and glee. Maribeth never missed anything. She pointed out all the high points. She was a little intimidated by the Chinese Lions as they danced into the Theater Aisles, but keep clapping and cheering as each event begin or ended. Maribeth asked me several times, "See? Daddy, See?" All I could say to her was "Yes baby, I see". My daughter was upset that the show ended and her whole conversation home was about the "Chinese Acrobats". She now says she wants to be an "Acrobat" as she tumbles about the house.
Maribeth
and mother Jane Wagganer
Yes, this group of entertainers has skills beyond belief and they can do wonderful feats of athletics. But, they also have the ability to communicate as positive role models, emit an image physical and mental strength and have the opportunity to share a spectacular glimpse of the real beauty of China within their shows.
Our family tries to attend all the available Chinese Cultural Events that the Chinese Community and St. Louis Entertainment Venues offer. My daughter is growing up proud of her Chinese Heritage and is fully aware of both her Chinese and American ties to the St. Louis Community. I want to thank the Editors and Staff of the St. Louis Chinese American News for the strong efforts they make in bringing together the St. Louis Community. The attempt they make in informing us the readers of the many Chinese cultural events occurring throughout the St. Louis Area is commendable.
Our family hopes to see you at another event soon.
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