First Posted: 11/14/2011

PEMBROKE If 24 members of the National Acrobats of the Peoples Republic of China need to get to the store, two bicycles should be plenty to get them all there.

That ability, along with other feats of flexibility, balance and agility, will be spotlighted during a show at 8 p.m. on Thursday at the Givens Performing Arts Center.

It is going to be a very exciting, mesmerizing, and even mind-bending evening as these masters of acrobatics showcase their award-winning talents, said Tasha Oxendine, the marketing director for GPAC. These acrobats are light years beyond traditional gymnastic feats.

Tickets are $30, $25, $15, and $5 for UNCP students. To purchase tickets, call the box office at (910) 521-6361.

Educators can purchase discounted tickets for $12.

We know our educators have a daunting and sometimes stressful job, so we have picked a performance which will let them relax and enjoy a colorful evening of gallantry and talent, Oxendine said.

This is the first time GPAC has hosted the acrobats, who are on their first tour of the United States and Canada. Based in Beijing, the acrobats tour more than 40 countries a year.

We have a good number of people that are bringing little ones to see the impressive talents of the acrobats, Oxendine said. We also have members of dance troops who are attending. The show will be a feast for audience members.

The two-hour show will keep a fast pace as the performers transition from balancing on ladders to tumbling through hoops.

It is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see these type of world-class performers in their first tour of the U.S., Oxendine said. These acrobats will leave the audience speechless.

The Broadway and More series at GPAC will continue on Jan. 24 with In the Heights.

Features Editor Amanda Munger can be reached at (910) 272-6144 or [email protected].