During George Mason University’s annual Family Weekend this past weekend, the families of students flocked to many events hosted by the University. On Friday night, some of my family and I were in attendance for a performance by The National Acrobats of the People’s Republic of China. The acts performed were nothing short of amazing. Everyone in attendance was clearly impressed by the astounding talent seen on stage.

As they flew through the air, the acrobats never lost the attention of the audience. Each act had its own story and unique performers, making the show a captivating thing to watch. Perhaps the most impressive act was a solo pole acrobat who contorted his body sideways and over a pole in a seemingly impossible athletic accomplishment. One act featured young women spinning plates suspended in the air by thin sticks. My dad thought they were designed not to fall. But after a few minutes, a single plate fell. This actually made the performance more impressive, because it was obvious that the plates were spun by pure talent and not manipulation. Although there were a few errors, the acrobats did not let this phase them; they simply tried the act until it was a success.

One young lady on a unicycle tried four times to toss bowls in the air with her foot and catch them with her head. But when she finally succeeded, the audience cheered louder than ever before. The most entertaining act for me, however, was a group of teenage boys jumping through hoops held high in the air. Linked below is a video so that you too can experience some of the acts.

Although all of these feats are breathtaking and impressive, China has been the subject of controversy due to their use of children in gymnastic events, including acrobatics. In the 2008 Olympics, the Chinese team claimed to have adults competing, but viewers thought differently. Shouts of child abuse and manipulation rang in the air, but with seemingly no consequences.

In 2012, the family of Chinese diver, Wu Minxia, admitted to hiding her mother’s breast cancer for fear that it would disrupt her training. Diving coach, Johannah Doecke, claimed to have had formerly abused pupils in her instruction while training for the Olympics, even citing to have heard, “if you want a good performance out of her, you’ll have to beat her.” Chinese coaches are always quick to combat these claims, saying that their training is misunderstood by others, and the coaches always have the athletes’ best interests in mind.

Whether or not you agree with the methods used by Chinese trainers, everyone should be able to agree that the results of their performances are stunning. My family and I had a wonderful experience watching these performers, and I would gladly take the opportunity to see them again.