In this two-part series, we follow the Heilongjiang Acrobatic troupe, based in the city of Harbin, and we go behind the scenes of China’s Wuqiao School of Acrobatic Arts were children as young as seven come to live and breathe acrobatics.

Episode 1: Elites

At China’s Wuqiao School of Acrobatic Arts, children as young as seven come to live and breathe acrobatics. They are there because they have raw talent - but raw talent will only take them so far. They will also need emotional strength, determination and an incredible desire to succeed in this ancient but highly demanding art form.

We meet Wuqiao’s young pupils and discover what drives them to leave their homes and families for a regimented and often gruelling life of discipline and training.

For the top students the pressure is even greater. Not only must they meet their own goals and fulfil the ambitions of their families, but they are also keepers of Wuqiao School’s formidable reputation at national acrobatic festivals and competitions.

For these young athletes, the weight of responsibility is - literally - on their shoulders.

Episode 2: On Ice

The Heilongjiang Acrobatic troupe, based in the city of Harbin, is one of China’s most respected acrobatic groups. For over fifty years its performers have thrilled audiences throughout China with contemporary interpretations of this traditional art form.

Two years ago, artistic director Mr Guan Xin Min decided on a new and innovative direction for Heilongjiang – they would become the only acrobatics troupe in China to perform on ice.

Combining ice skating and traditional acrobatics may be a great marketing tool, but it will take a team of ultra-talented and dedicated performers to turn this idea into a reality.

After training, practices and performances, the Heilongjiang Acrobatic troupe is ready to take its unique style of ice acrobatics beyond mainland China. This is a tense and exciting time for all the young performers – but will circumstances beyond their control conspire to end this momentous endeavour before it even begins?

In this two-part series, we follow the Heilongjiang Acrobatic troupe, based in the city of Harbin, and we go behind the scenes of China’s Wuqiao School of Acrobatic Arts were children as young as seven come to live and breathe acrobatics.

Episode 1: Elites

At China’s Wuqiao School of Acrobatic Arts, children as young as seven come to live and breathe acrobatics. They are there because they have raw talent - but raw talent will only take them so far. They will also need emotional strength, determination and an incredible desire to succeed in this ancient but highly demanding art form.

We meet Wuqiao’s young pupils and discover what drives them to leave their homes and families for a regimented and often gruelling life of discipline and training.

For the top students the pressure is even greater. Not only must they meet their own goals and fulfil the ambitions of their families, but they are also keepers of Wuqiao School’s formidable reputation at national acrobatic festivals and competitions.

For these young athletes, the weight of responsibility is - literally - on their shoulders.

Episode 2: On Ice

The Heilongjiang Acrobatic troupe, based in the city of Harbin, is one of China’s most respected acrobatic groups. For over fifty years its performers have thrilled audiences throughout China with contemporary interpretations of this traditional art form.

Two years ago, artistic director Mr Guan Xin Min decided on a new and innovative direction for Heilongjiang – they would become the only acrobatics troupe in China to perform on ice.

Combining ice skating and traditional acrobatics may be a great marketing tool, but it will take a team of ultra-talented and dedicated performers to turn this idea into a reality.

After training, practices and performances, the Heilongjiang Acrobatic troupe is ready to take its unique style of ice acrobatics beyond mainland China. This is a tense and exciting time for all the young performers – but will circumstances beyond their control conspire to end this momentous endeavour before it even begins?