Opening a wondrous world of magic for children
— Behind the scenes as the China Acrobats Association’s ‘Magic Teaching’ programme visits Wukusake Township Central Primary School, Shufu County
A small crystal box is "conjured" out of a paper bag
The water in the cup suddenly "vanishes"……
On June 8
China Acrobats Association
they visited the Central Primary School of Wukusake Town, Shufu County
to give a "magic teaching-support" session
and opened a wonderful world of magic for the children
Qiao Bateer, head of the Jianghu Magic Troupe, goes into a classroom to give the children a dazzling magic performance. Photo by Kashgar Daily reporter Zhang Hongling
Three magicians — Qiao Bateer, member of the China Acrobats Association, council member of the Xinjiang Acrobats Association and head of the Jianghu Magic Troupe; Liu Zhe, a magician from the new arts community and a member of the Xinjiang Acrobats Association; and Guzaliayi Abudukelimu of the Acrobatic Troupe of Xinjiang Art Theatre — each went into a classroom to give the children a dazzling magic performance.
Magician Liu Zhe demonstrates the use of magic props for the children. Photo by Kashgar Daily reporter Zhang Hongling
"Students, have you ever watched a magic show? Do you know anything about magic?" Troupe head Qiao Bateer introduced the students to the artistic origins of magic and how it has evolved and been handed down, and performed close-up magic well suited to audience participation. "For the next trick, which of you would like to do it with me?" During the interactive segment the atmosphere was electric: the students were bursting with enthusiasm, standing up with both hands raised, hoping to go on stage and perform alongside the magician.
"A chain can pass right through a metal ring and become one with it. Watch closely, everyone — the trick I am doing now is called the 'Ring of Tomorrow.'" With the fine chain and the seamless metal ring held apart, magician Liu Zhe blew on them lightly and they joined into one. Applause and cheers broke out at once and went on and on, turning the classroom into a sea of delight; the students vied with one another to be called on stage, thoroughly caught up in it. In the magic lesson that followed, Liu Zhe explained the principle behind the trick and demonstrated, step by step, how to use the props. The students studied attentively and quickly grasped the essentials of performing it. "I had a great time with the big brother today. I learned how to do magic, and now I can show off in front of my family," said Aipise Aimaitijiang of Class 7, Grade 4, excitedly, after performing the whole trick he had been taught.
Magician Guzaliayi hands out small crystal balls to the students so they can practise together. Photo by Kashgar Daily reporter Zhang Hongling
Magician Guzaliayi Abudukelimu worked crystal balls of different sizes with both hands, rolling them back and forth between her left and right hands and along her arms, now tossing a ball into the air, now leaving one hovering between her palms. The students were captivated by the marvellous performance, their eyes wide as they searched for the "giveaway," gasping in amazement and applauding again and again. Guzaliayi handed out four small crystal balls to the students and practised along with them. "Wow! How did she do that? It's amazing." Yusufunuer Maimaiti of Class 7, Grade 4, could not hide his excitement: "It really is amazing. I've watched a lot of magic shows on my phone before, but I've never felt the magic up close. I'm going to learn magic over the summer holiday and become an amazing magician when I grow up."
Students of the Central Primary School of Wukusake Town, Shufu County, practise the magic trick "Ring of Tomorrow." Photo by Kashgar Daily reporter Zhang Hongling
The three magicians interacted warmly with the students, using humour as they broke down tricks such as "Long and Short Ropes" and "Ring of Tomorrow" and taught them step by step, patiently coaching the students in the methods and techniques of performing with magic props. Everyone watched closely and studied hard, practising eagerly and constantly with the little props they had been given, and entering the wonderful world of magic together.
This magic teaching-support activity brought fine traditional culture onto the campus. While the students felt the wondrous appeal of magic culture, it broadened their horizons, further stirred their spirit of exploration, inspired their thinking and creativity, and enriched their cultural life at school.
Source: Kashgar Daily. Reporter Zhang Hongling; intern reporter Zhang Wule
Editor-in-chief: Wang Zhiheng. Editor in charge: Li Junmei
Intern editor: Maihemutijiang Kari
Submissions: [email protected]
Telephone: 0998—2673715
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