Thirteen circus acts competed for cash prizes ranging from $10,000 to $30,000 at the 3rd China International Circus Festival on Nov 23 -- the first of three competition days. 

Flying Farfans

The shows impressed audiences with their acrobatics and clowning. Acts included the Gibadulin Jugglers, Balancers-Champions With Perches, Freestyle Kings, Ambition, Leosvel & Diosmani Pole Act, Ancient, Les Frères, and Deriabkin Vladimir Clown. The first show, Flying Farfans, emerged after several false starts, bringing the tense atmosphere to an exuberant climax. 

Ancient 

Clowns then became show protagonists. The versatile performers must be acrobatic, have the quickness of a magician, and be able to play musical instruments -- all while making an audience laugh. Gino Clown dressed in all red and yellow, looked a little like Ronald McDonald. His pockets contained endless treasures and surprises. Some lucky dogs even received cute gifts from the performer. 

Deriabkin Vladimir Clown did not disappoint with his plate-spinning. At the climax, the Russian had eight dishes on eight sticks twirling simultaneously while he added torque to prevent plates from falling and tossed in a new stick and plate. A spectator was invited to the stage to perform the trick, but he set people laughing as bowls and plates crashed to the ground.

The performer of Spanish Picasso Jr juggled various objects and incorporated music, sports, and dance. He juggled up to eight plates at the climax. The performer specializes in juggling ping pong balls. He ejects them from his mouth continuously like a tennis-ball launcher. Despite the constantly changing direction of the balls, he was always able to catch them in his mouth. 

Gibadulin Jugglers [Photos / Zhuhai Daily]

Competitions will end today and the outcomes will be revealed at the concluding and award presentation ceremony tomorrow evening, according to the organizing committee.