The historic Royal Theatre Carre in the Netherlands, with its 137-year legacy, was illuminated by the brilliance of acrobatic art on the evening of Dec 18. The venue reached a climactic high as Westart Group's Xi'an Acrobatic Troupe presented their iconic act, Shoulder Ballet, a reimagined excerpt from the acrobatic ballet Swan Lake, as the grand finale of the 2024 World Christmas Circus.

Blending breathtaking precision acrobatics with the elegance of ballet, Shoulder Ballet captivated the audience with its creativity, technical mastery, and emotional depth. The performance transcended borders, becoming a vivid cultural bridge and a shining emblem of Xi'an's cultural export.

Over the past two years, the Xi'an Acrobatic Troupe has brought the warmth of Chinese culture to global audiences, performing at iconic venues such as Singapore's Esplanade, Oman's Royal Opera House Muscat, London's Sadler's Wells, and South Korea's Seongnam Arts Center.

From Dec 18 to Jan 6, the troupe will perform Shoulder Ballet at the Royal Theatre Carre in 48 consecutive shows, showcasing their unwavering commitment to sharing traditional Chinese culture with the world.

The opening night drew accolades from Han van Manen, a legendary Dutch choreographer, and Yu Jian, the Cultural Counselor of the Chinese Embassy in the Netherlands, who celebrated with the performers.

Xi'an Acrobatic Troupe promises to continue enthralling audiences worldwide with exceptional artistry, spreading joy and cultural appreciation through dazzling acts.