photo by Ethnocentric

If you've ever fantasized about being a performer in a production like Cirque du Soleil, you may want to consider taking a trip to Beijing and learning acrobatics from the masters.

The Beijing International Art School, formerly the Beijing Acrobatic School, is the largest secondary art school in China. The course study emphasis is on the circus arts, aka acrobatics, although you can also learn martial arts and dance. The school is a large modern facility boasting 360,000 square feet and 22 training gyms. It is open to local and international students of all skill levels. On campus housing is available or students may live off campus in Beijing City. The school suggests students undertake a minimum one year term of study but shorter summer classes are also available. Acrobatic students study six days a week and international students have the option of attending additional Chinese language classes or minoring in other subjects.

Students have the added benefit of being eligible to participate with the Circus China, the largest state circus in China. Other chances to gain valuable on-stage experience may be obtained by the joining the school's team of performers which competes in several circus festivals around the world.