Some Albemarle County students were treated to quite a show Wednesday afternoon and it came all the way from Asia. A Chinese acrobatic troop performed in the gym at Broadus Wood Elementary in Earlysville.
"It's the Chinese New Year and they have big celebrations in China," says Natalie Heatwole, a student at Broadus Wood Elementary.
The students celebrated with some special guests. Suzy Huang, the host of the show says, "Chinese acrobatics is always the top one, so kids do love it."
Margaret Paczkowski is a student as Broadus Wood Elementary and she explains, "It's on a different day then our New Year, that's what makes it special."
Jane McBrian coordinated the event and is part of the parent - teacher organization. She says, "I booked them at this time to coincide with the Lunar New Year."
The acrobatic troop, called the "Dragon Show," is busiest around the Chinese Lunar New Year, which is January 23rd. Wednesday was the closest date the school could get.
The troop consists of four acrobats who've trained since they were 4-years-old. Wednesday, they showed off their expertise. They balanced jars, umbrellas and even each other.
All students study China in preparation for the standards of learning test. This event brought a culture that is on the other side of the world - inside their gym.
Paczkowski says, "I've never seen it but I mean, I've seen it in "Ripley's Believe It Or Not."
The act was new to the students, but they walk away a few steps closer to a world most haven't seen.
"They're going to be part of the global community and we want to keep the abreast of things that are going on around the world," says Jane McBrian.
