Picture a circus, with no animals; a concert without words; magic free from illusion. A unique breed of skilled athletes and artists join forces as acrobats to deliver performances like no other.

The world-renowned Chinese Golden Dragon Acrobats are coming all the way from Cangzhao, China, to perform at 7:30 p.m. today in the University Union Ballroom. Its two-day stint in Sacramento opened last night. This will mark the group’s third visit to Sacramento State, after performances in 2001 and 2003.

“Expect all of the excitement, color, fast movement, tumbling and tricks of a circus, except without the animals,” said Bill Fegan, the group’s manager. “In this show, the main attraction is the human body.”

The two-hour show is packed with awe-inspiring contortion, unbelievable balancing acts and stunts utilizing an array of props by skilled acrobats dressed in bold, traditional costumes.

“They are real crowd pleasers,” said Dean Sorensen, program director for the University Union. “We’ve had them here twice before and both times they drew a really nice crowd.”

According to the group’s official Web site, acrobatics is the Chinese equivalent of sophisticated art forms like opera and classical ballet.

Many acrobats begin training at specialized academies when they are 7 years old, Fegan said. This tradition was revolutionized 28 years ago by Danny Chang, who gave birth to the most successful Chinese acrobat group to date.

“They communicate these ancient tricks as something brand new,” wrote Maggie Cino of the Chinese Golden Dragon Acrobats in a review for The New York Post. “The powerful music, simple themes, and explosive choreography… transcends culture.”

Since its inception, the troupe has illuminated stages around the globe in over 65 countries on five different continents, picking up international acclaim along the way. The group was named “Today’s Performers of the Year” by the National Association of Campus Activities and recently made its mark on Broadway, selling out all 50 performances, Fegan said.

“Chinese Acrobats offer timeless thrills. The segments tell a common story… the impossible can be achieved, and once achieved, surpassed, then surpassed again.” wrote Associated Press critic Hillel Italie of the Broadway performance.

Fegan said hundreds of college campuses ask the group to come back for encore performances. “From children to the elderly, these performances really appeal to all ages,” Fegan said.

Several critics raved about one particular stunt involving a daredevil acrobat who balanced upside-down and one-handed on a wavering stack of chairs 30 feet in the air. Fortunately, the Chinese Golden Dragon Acrobats will be bringing this and many other unbelievable acts to Sacramento State audiences.

Admission is $15 general and $10 for students and children under the age of 12.

For more information visit the Chinese Golden Dragon Acrobats Web site.

Elaine Welteroth can be reached at [email protected]