Poetry in motion

Peter Dubinsky, president of Firebird Productions Circus International of the US, has been a constant CWICF jury member since 1999. He recalled the festival's debut in 1987 while he was working as the director for the Moscow Circus, "In our office in Moscow, people discussed about it." Over the decades, he has witnessed the festival's growth and innovation. Chinese acrobatics are leading in the world today. At the same time, we expect to see something new," he said.

In 2006, Wuqiao acrobatics was inscribed on China's list of national intangible cultural heritage, marking official recognition of a 3,600-year-old tradition that continues to evolve.

Yet, challenges remain. Training is grueling, injuries are frequent, and younger generations often turn away from the discipline's hardships. At an academic forum held during the festival, Bian Faji, president of the China Acrobats Association, called for renewed attention to research and storytelling.