Circus girl has high ambitions

Fei Fei may only be 10 but her phenomenal acrobatic skills defy her age.

She is the youngest in troupe of 26 performers from China that are part of Zirka Circus currently visiting Whangarei.

The group has already performed in Dargaville, Kerikeri and Kaitaia and move to Pakuranga after their last show in Whangarei on Sunday.

Fei Fei, who hails from Sichuan province, is the star attraction and loves the applause she receives for tricks.

"I've been doing acrobatics and belly dance since I was seven. I learned it in an acrobatic school in China," she said.

Fei Fei said standing on someone's head using just the tips of toes was the most difficult act.

The circus first toured Whangarei in 2010 with performers from China and Russia.

The circus' general manager James Finlayson said the public response had been fantastic .

"This year, we have an item called the Globe of Death where four motorcyclists ride on tracks up to 7m high. That's the grand finale.

"Fei Fei is doing an act where she stands on a man's head using either her hand or her toes which is quite phenomenal."

He said other performances in the two-hour show included roller skating and juggling acts.

Mr Finlayson's wife Jenny Hou, whose family runs an acrobatic and magic business in China, sources the artists from overseas.

Whangarei resident Eliane Lagnaz was impressed with the circus.

"All the performers were multi-skilled. It was not only a pleasure to watch their gymnastic, juggling and and balancing skills but I also very much enjoyed their team work."