Poetry in motion

Jasmine Straga, director of the World Circus Federation and a jury member, described Wuqiao as "the world's oldest surviving acrobatic city." She said, "I see the circus in China as a living tradition. From my very first visit in 2007, I've been awed by the visual poetry of Chinese acrobatics," she said. "It's more than entertainment — it's a symbol of resilience and artistry."

Peter Dubinsky, president of Firebird Productions Circus International of the US, has been a constant CWICF jury member since 1999. He recalled the festival's debut in 1987 while he was working as the director for the Moscow Circus, "In our office in Moscow, people discussed about it." Over the decades, he has witnessed the festival's growth and innovation. Chinese acrobatics are leading in the world today. At the same time, we expect to see something new," he said.