{
  "id": 11802322,
  "title": "At 19, Laqian is already 12 years into his acrobatics journey",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/03/at-19-laqian-is-already-12-years-into-his-acrobatics-journey",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-03T23:30:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Free Malaysia Today",
    "slug": "free-malaysia-today",
    "url": "https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/leisure/2026/10/04/at-19-laqian-is-already-12-years-into-his-acrobatics-journey"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "On the stage in Beijing, the acrobatic act of Sha Ma Laqian appears smooth and effortless. However, behind every flawless movement lies 12 years of dedicated training, repetition, and the courage that comes with experience. Born into China's Yi ethnic group at the age of seven, Laqian began his acrobatics journey and now performs with the Sichuan Suining Acrobatics Troupe. During a recent show in Beijing, Laqian ascended a stack of chairs to a height of approximately 10 meters, a feat he has previously achieved up to 14 meters. The 19-year-old shared that his nervousness initially subsided with repeated performances. The high-chair routine required years of practice – between eight to nine years – to reach his current level of proficiency, starting with basic movements and gradually advancing to more challenging skills. Despite the physical risks, the applause and encouragement from the audience kept him motivated. The costume Laqian dons during the act reflects traditional Chinese shusheng style, reminiscent of a classical scholar or student, adding a theatrical touch to his performance. The show, titled \"Legend of Chinese Charm,\" featured over 60 performers executing nine different acts, including plate spinning, bowl balancing, bicycle acrobatics, hat juggling, and flying motorcycles. Laqian's participation in the performance was not just about the spectacle but also a means to further his love for acrobatics and share it with audiences beyond China. He hopes that each performance will spark curiosity about Chinese acrobatics, fostering a deeper appreciation for the skill, discipline, and artistry behind it.",
  "summary": "The young Chinese performer began training at seven and now balances atop towers of chairs reaching heights that once terrified him.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Free Malaysia Today",
        "title": "At 19, Laqian is already 12 years into his acrobatics journey",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/03/at-19-laqian-is-already-12-years-into-his-acrobatics-journey-11803077",
        "published": "2026-10-03T23:30:00.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}