Circus Vazquez, founded in 1969 as a Mexican circus, brought their show to New York City during Thanksgiving this year. They performed at Citi Field from November 15 to December 15. What’s interesting is that they invited a Taiwanese diabolo artist named Zhu Quanhe to join the performance.
Diabolo, also known as Chinese yo-yo, has a history that can be traced back 2000 years as a traditional Chinese toy. It consists of a wooden object with a circular base and concave sides. The play involves shaking, spinning, or tossing the diabolo with ropes with handles on both ends, providing both entertainment and physical exercise. It has been a common performance item in acrobatics or circus acts, introduced to Europe from China in the 18th century.
Zhu Quanhe is a renowned diabolo artist from Taiwan, who started playing the diabolo at the age of 10 and later pursued a professional career in performing. He has won numerous awards in Taiwan and internationally and has performed at prestigious events such as the Monte Carlo International Circus Festival, also known as the “Circus Oscars,” boasting thousands of performance experiences.
On November 26, Zhu Quanhe presented a mesmerizing diabolo acrobatics routine on the Circus Vazquez stage. He gracefully moved and flipped in sync with the music, making the diabolo seem like an extension of his hands, effortlessly maneuvering it.
During an intermission, Zhu Quanhe mentioned to Dajiyuan that it was his first time performing in New York, and he felt a unique difference.
“Though I felt nervous today, I am very satisfied with my performance,” he said. He expressed excitement upon seeing many Chinese children in the audience. “I think the New York audience is great, and I really like New York.”
As a circus performer, Zhu Quanhe travels the world annually for performances, leading a somewhat nomadic lifestyle. Dealing with people speaking different languages and finding time to do what he loves in foreign lands poses a significant challenge for him. Nevertheless, he said, “This is my life.”
Zhu Quanhe believes the uniqueness of his diabolo lies in its “soul.”
“Many performers focus solely on skills, but when I listen to the music, I feel the rhythm,” he explained. “For us, the ‘timing’ is crucial. Sometimes, the timing of a funny reaction is key, it’s all about timing, a detail many overlook.”
After concluding the New York performance season on December 15, Zhu Quanhe will move on to perform in Germany without a break. He welcomes the New York audience to come and witness his show.
Circus Vazquez offers a variety of high-flying acts, clowns, dances, gymnastics, jiu-jitsu, and other colorful programs, making it a great destination for families with children in New York City, especially in Queens, to celebrate the holiday season.