The world-class acrobatic show Italian Pellegrini Brothers Hand-to-Hand wowed an audience of more than 4,000 at the Forum de Macau on Nov 21.

This capped the public performance tour accompanying the ongoing 4th China International Circus Festival in Zhuhai. It was a full house at one of the largest indoor venues in Macao with all tickets having been sold online.

An act of masculine power was unleashed to create a human pyramid. The performance has won the Golden Clown Award from the International Circus Festival of Monte-Carlo, its biggest attraction being the mutual tacit understanding the four brothers have cultivated over 30 years.

In the show, the eldest Pellegrini, who is over 50, half squatted with head and legs holding up his three brothers who were supported by only one arm each while also performing highly difficult movements. The performance climaxed when all four formed in inverted postures using inter-locking arms. 

Building a human pyramid 

An instructor from the University of Macau who had studied in Europe for many years hailed the performance as top-level in the worldwide circus industry.

Traditional Chinese acrobatics teams also staged performances. The Antipode of Painted Pottery and Diabolo Girls may have surpassed themselves by delivering a refreshing and exciting experience.

The Zhuhai circus festival was initiated in 2016. The practice of inviting some of the best acrobats to perform from around the country has pleased more than 100,000 people in 20 shows. Beneficiaries include students across the city, militia training bases, and people in the western regions.

This year's festival is being held at Chimelong Hengqin International Circus City, running from Nov 18 to Nov 25.

Macao faces tell it all [Photos provided by Executive Committee of 4th China International Circus Festival]