Chinese acrobatics, which has been enjoying applause abroad but losing audiences at home due to its traditional stigma as a “lesser art,” will begin to focus on promotion in the domestic market, revealed Beijing Acrobats Association at its recently held members’ meeting.

Breath-taking performance by Wuhan Acrobatic Troupe.

A series of steps will be taken to draw more audiences, including providing financial assistance to non-governmental acrobatic troupes and investing in promotion of upcoming performances, according to Li Enjie, president of the association.

“In the eyes of most Chinese, acrobats are on par with street performers, far from being worth going to big theaters with high prices,” said Li. “This reputation is one of the main problems Chinese acrobatics faces.”

Despite a celebrated history spanning over 3,000 years, this negative impression of acrobatics can also be traced to the generally lower social status held by performers in traditional Chinese society.

Although China is still widely praised as the “Kingdom of Acrobatics”, other than Shanghai, Beijing and Wuhan, there are few cities with venues for acrobatic performance.

“How can acrobatics become popular if there is nowhere for the public to enjoy it?” asked Li.

While domestic audiences dwindle away, acrobatics is warmly embraced abroad, Chinese troupes receiving more than 100 gold medals at various international competitions over the past 20 years.

Most professional acrobatic troupes are finding audiences at large venues around the globe, with each troupe earning no less than $ 2 million per year, according to Dai Wuqi, president of Guangdong Acrobats Association.