by Elizabeth Connolly
Hometown Weekly Reporter
In celebration of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, Westwood Public Library (WPL) hosted a special performance by Chinese acrobat Li Liu. The community room was full of attendees of all ages, and everyone seemed excited and eager for the show to begin.
Energetic, friendly and personable, Liu did not disappoint as she enthusiastically welcomed the audience. She jumped right into the performance, beginning with plate spinning, which quickly garnered admiration from the crowd. As the show continued, she chose some of the children in attendance to learn how to do their own version of spinning plates.
In addition to plate spinning, the act included hand balancing, foot juggling, and trick cycling. Liu also performed some beautiful ribbon dancing, which she then taught to a group of children that volunteered to learn. The show was not just about acrobatics, however, as Liu shared some Chinese culture and history, teaching attendees about the Chinese New Year, the history of the ribbon dance, and even a few Chinese words.
“I really liked her,” one senior citizen that was in attendance said. “I don’t know how she did any of those tricks. I sure couldn’t!”
Born in Northeast China, “I started learning acrobatics when I was six,” Liu said. “The first thing I learned was a handstand.” Shortly after, Liu was selected to join The Chinese National Circus School in Beijing, where she trained all day, every day until she reached the age of 16. Ms. Liu has had an impressive career since those early days, winning gold at the Festival Mondial du Cirque de Demain in Paris, performing at the Wu Qiao International Circus Festival, and traveling with both the Liaoning Acrobatic Arts Troupe and Ringling Brothers Barnum and Bailey Circus. She has been living in the US since 2000, performing on Princess Cruise Lines, as well as at NBA and WNBA half-time shows.
The performance was sponsored by the Massachusetts Cultural Council and the Friends of WPL. You can find information on upcoming events at WestwoodLibrary.org
