DPOPEJOYR SCHOOLTIMEEAM SERIESC TEACHINGATC GUIDEH GRADES:ER 4S - 12

THE PEKING ACROBATS

Dreamcatchers Teaching Guides align with the National Standards and the ENGLISH & SPANISH EDITION New Mexico State Standards. Standards Addressed By Attending the Performance He who would learn to fly one day must first learn to stand and walk and run and climb and NMCAS dance; one cannot fly into flying.” DA:Re.7.1 MU:Re7.1 - FRIEDRICH NIETZSCHE TH:Re7.1 ‘‘ NMSSS Content Standards I and II (History and Synopsis Geography) More people live in China than in any other nation in the world. Yet their lives and ES culture seem very foreign to many Americans. Even the way we talk about China MS suggests a sense of vast separation—China and other countries in eastern Asia are HS referred to as the “East,” whereas the United States and Europe are the opposite: the “West.” China, a nation of ever-increasing influence in the world arena, offers much CCSS to discover. It is one of the few nations in the world today that traces its roots back to ELA-Literacy.CCRA.SL the earliest stages of world civilization more than 5,000 years ago. Over this storied history, China developed a distinct culture and appreciation of art and beauty, which Curriculum is witnessed in its performing arts through costumes, movements, music, and stories. Connections The ability to perform the astounding is rooted in centuries of Chinese Performing Arts & Visual Arts/Theatre, Music; Physical history and folk art. Records of acrobatic acts can be found as early as Education; Social Studies/ the Ch’in Dynasty (221 B.C. - 207 B.C.) and Chinese acrobats through History and Geography, the ages have continued to perfect what has become an evolving Cultural Enrichment folk art form. Tradition demands that each generation of acrobats add its own improvements and embellishments. Because of the unusual and difficult nature of the feats involved, high honor is conferred upon those skilled enough to become acrobats. An acrobat can be considered the Chinese equivalent of an American opera star. It is telling that the Chinese acrobatic tradition just gets stronger due to the continued innovation of the artists and the endless enthusiasm from their adoring public. A performance by The Peking Acrobats®, therefore, brings with it the opportunity to view the epitome of a rich and ancient folk art tradition, highlighted by today’s technology, melding the ancient and traditional with the modern wonders of the 21st century.

2 The Peking Acrobats MON | JAN 13 | 2020 TEACHING GUIDE DREAMCATCHERS History of the Chinese Government The earliest and longest enduring system of government in China was the Dynasty, beginning around 2070 B.C.E. During this period, an emperor ruled until he died or passed the throne on to his first-born son, nephew, or grandson. As a result of political upheaval in 1911, led by revolutionaries (the most famous of which is Sun Yat-sen), the Dynastic government finally ended. Years of war and civil conflict followed and, in 1949, the Communist Party of China (under the leadership of Mao Zedong) took control of China’s mainland, and it became the People’s Republic of China. Communism is a form of society where all businesses, property, foods, goods, and services are owned and operated by the government. Today, although private enterprise does exist and is flourishing in China in many areas of endeavor and industry, most Chinese citizens are still employed (either directly or indirectly) by the Chinese government. They receive wages, housing, health care and an education as compensation for their work. In the early part of the 20th century, the city of Peking’s name was changed to Beijing (pron. bay-JING) because, as the story goes, foreigners who visited the city kept mispronouncing the word Peking (pē’KING)! For many, the Chinese government takes over in the education of the nation where the family leaves off. The Chinese government still runs most schools, from kindergarten to college. School begins strate suitability or skill Kung-Fu: movement that can be used in combat or dance; or any individual for children at age 6. After five years of Beijing: the current name of the capital Chinese language, arithmetic, physical of China — previously known as Peking accomplishment or skill cultivated education, music, art, natural science, through long and hard work Capitalism: an economic system in and political doctrine, Chinese students Myth: a traditional or legendary story, enter middle school. Here, students take which the means of production and usually concerning some being or hero classes in politics, Chinese language, distribution are privately or corporately owned or event, with or without a determinable mathematics, physics, chemistry, biology, basis of fact or a natural explanation foreign languages, history, geography, Character: what we call each symbol in basic agriculture, physical education, the written expression of the Chinese Pagoda: a tiered tower with multiple music, and art. They study there for language eaves or levels an additional six years. Most Chinese Communism: an economic theory or students do not continue their studies Pantomime: a drama played in actions system of the ownership of all property and gestures sometimes to the after middle school, going to work instead by the community as a whole in a factory, on a farm, in the military, or accompaniment of words sung by a other form of government service for the Contortionist: a performer who is very chorus or with music rest of their lives. flexible and can bend his or her body into different shapes Troupe: a company or group of touring actors, singers, dancers, and other Dynasty: a succession of rulers who performers Vocabulary belong to the same family; also, the Audition: a trial performance, as by an period during which a certain family Water Meteor: swinging glass bowls actor, dancer, or musician, to demon- reigns that move like meteors in the sky

3 The Peking Acrobats MON | JAN 13 | 2020 TEACHING GUIDE DREAMCATCHERS Historia del gobierno chino El sistema de gobierno más largo y perdurable en China fue la Dinastía, comenzando alrededor de 2070 a.C. Durante este periodo, un emperador gobernaba hasta que fallecía o pasaba su trono a su hijo primogénito, sobrino o nieto. Como consecuencia de turbulencia política en 1911 d.C., dirigido por revolucionarios (el más famoso es Sun Yat-sen), el gobierno dinástico finalmente terminó. Años de guerra y conflicto civil siguieron y en 1949, el Partido Comunista de China, bajo el liderazgo de Mao Zedong, tomó el control de la tierra firme de China y se convirtió en la República Popular de China. El comunismo es una forma de sociedad donde el gobierno es dueño y operador de todas las empresas, propiedades, comida, bienes y servicios. Actualmente, aunque la empresa privada existe y esta floreciendo en China en muchos campos de empeño e industria, muchos ciudadanos chinos aún están empleados, directamente o indirectamente, por el gobierno chino. Ellos reciben sus salarios, alojamiento, asistencia médica y una educación como indemnización por su trabajo. En el principio del siglo XX, el nombre de la ciudad fue cambiada de Pekín a Beijing en inglés porque, según el cuento, ¡los extranjeros que visitaban la ciudad seguían diciendo Pekín incorrecto! Para muchos, el gobierno chino toma el control de la educación de la nación donde se termina el de la familia. El gobierno aún gestiona la mayoría de las escuelas, desde el jardín infantil hasta Beijing: en inglés el nombre actual de la individual o de habilidad cultivado por a la universidad. La escuela comienza capital de China, en español el nombre mucho trabajo duro para los niños a la edad de seis años. correcto es Pekín Después de cinco años de idioma chino, meteoros de agua: tazones de cristal que capitalismo: un sistema económico donde aritmética, educación física, música, arte, se mueve como meteoros en el cilo ciencia natural y doctrina política, los la manera de producción y distribución es estudiantes chinos van a la secundaria. privada mito: una historia tradicional o legendaria, Aquí toman clases de política, idioma carácter: lo que llamamos a cada símbolo a menudo sobre un ser o héroe o evento, chino, matemáticas, física, historia, en la expresión escrita del idioma chino con o sin un fundamento determinable en geografía, agricultura básica, educación comunismo: una teoría o sistema física, música y arte. Ellos estudian allí por hechos o una explicación natural económico donde la posesión de la seis años adicionales. Muchos estudiantes propiedad es de toda la comunidad pagoda: una torre con gradas con chinos no siguen sus estudios después de múltiples aleros o niveles la secundaria, en vez van a trabajar en una contorsionista: un artista que es muy fábrica, granja, las fuerzas armadas u otra flexible y se puede doblar su cuerpo en pantomima: un drama actuado en forma de servicio gubernamental por el diferentes figuras acciones y gestos a veces acompañado resto de sus vidas. dinastía: una sucesión de dirigentes que por palabras cantadas por el coro o pertenecen a la misma familia, también, música Vocabulario el periodo durante la reina de una cierta familia tropa: una compañía o grupo de actores, audición: una obra de prueba de parte de un actor, danzante o músico para kung-fu: movimiento que se puede usar cantantes, danzantes y otros artistas que demostrar habilidad o pertinencia en combate o danza; o cualquier logo están de gira

4 The Peking Acrobats MON | JAN 13 | 2020 TEACHING GUIDE DREAMCATCHERS Chinese Proverbs A book holds a house of gold. Distant water won’t help to put out a fire close at hand. Do not want others to know what you have done? Better not have done it anyways. Even a hare will bite when it is cornered. A fall into a ditch makes you wiser. How can you put out a fire set on a cart-load of firewood with only a cup of water? If you do not study hard when young you’ll end up bewailing your failures as you grow up. A jade stone is useless before it is processed; a man is good-for-nothing until he is educated. Mend the pen only after the sheep are all gone. Of all the stratagems, to know when to quit is the best. One cannot refuse to eat just because there is a chance of being choked. Only when all contribute their firewood can they build up a strong fire. A smile will gain you ten more years of life. There are always ears on the other side of the wall.

The written Chinese language features appeared in China during the Han Dynasty Fun China Facts more than 10,000 characters. (206 BCE-220 CE) more than 2,000 years The Chinese invented firecrackers and ago. for Students gunpowder. Hoop diving is another staple of Chinese Official Name: the People’s Republic acrobatics. It also appeared during the To Chinese people, cranes symbolize of China Han Dynasty, and was known originally as longevity and wisdom; turtles symbolize “Swallow Play” because the performers Capital: Beijing (pronounced bay-JING) long life and happiness. were supposed to imitate the movements China has the fourth largest landmass in Cycling acrobatics were imported to of swallows (a type of bird) as they the world. China in the nineteenth century, but they jumped through narrow rings piled upon For much of its 5,000-year history, China quickly made it a specialty of their own. one another. The Chinese now call it was ruled by generations of families, or They are performed on stationary bicycles “Dashing Through Narrows”. (with balancing acts performed by one or dynasties. The 2008 summer olympics, officially several acrobats) or on moving bicycles China has 56 ethnic groups, terrain known as the Games of the XXIX and unicycles. Look for the bicycle that varies from mountainous to desert, Olympiad, were celebrated from August climate that ranges from tropical to “Peacock” at the end of the show. 8, 2008 to August 24, 2008 and were subarctic, and lifestyles that range from Tight wire or slack wire both evolved hosted for the first time in history by rural to metropolitan. from traditional rope dancing, which Beijing, China.

5 The Peking Acrobats MON | JAN 13 | 2020 TEACHING GUIDE DREAMCATCHERS Proverbios chinos Un libro contiene una casa de oro. El agua distante no le va ayudar a extinguir un incendio cercano. ¿No quieres que otros sepan de lo que hiciste? Mejor nunca lo deberías de haber hecho. Incluso una liebre va a morder cuando está acorralado. Una caída en una acequia le hace más sabio. ¿Cómo se puede extinguir un fuego en una carretada de leña con solo un vaso de agua? Si no estudia duro cuándo es joven, va a acabar lamentando sus fracasos como adulto. Una piedra de jade es inútil antes de ser procesada, un hombre no sirve para nada hasta que es educado. Arregla el redil solamente cuando se han ido las ovejas. De todas las estratagemas, el saber cuando rendirse es la mejor. Uno no puede dejar de comer simplemente porque existe una posibilidad de ahogarse. Solamente cuando todos contribuyen su leña se puede construir un fuego fuerte. Una sonrisa le ganará diez años más de vida. Siempre hay oídos en el otro lado del muro.

En el idioma escrito del chino aparecen en China durante la Dinastía Han (206 a.C. Datos más de 10.000 caracteres. – 220 a.C.) más de hace 2.000 años. interesantes Los chinos inventaron la pólvora y los Saltando entre aros es esencial petardos. en las acróbatas chinas. También para estudiantes Para el pueblo chino, las grullas apareció durante la Dinastía Han y fue conocido originalmente como “Juego Nombre oficial: República Popular de simbolizan longevidad y sabiduría; las de las golondrinas” porque los artistas China tortugas simbolizan una vida larga y felicidad. deberían de imitar los movimientos de Capital: Pekín las golondrinas (un tipo de ave) cuando Acróbatas ciclistas fueron importados China tiene la cuarta superficie más a China durante el siglo XIX, pero saltan entre las aras estrechas amontadas grande del mundo. rápidamente se convirtió en su encima una de la otra. Actualmente, los A lo largo de su historia de 5.000 años, especialidad propia. Se realiza en chinos lo llaman “Corriendo entre las China fue dirigida por generaciones de bicicletas estacionadas con la actuación estrechas”. familias o dinastías. de equilibrio por uno o más acróbatas o Juegos Olímpicos de Pekín 2008, en una bicicleta o monociclo moviéndose. China tiene 56 distintos grupos étnicos, oficialmente conocido como los Juegos un terreno que varia de montañoso a Busca la bicicleta “Peacock” (Pavo Real) de la XXIX Olimpiada, se celebraron del desértico, un clima que cambia de tropical en el final del espectáculo. 8 de agosto de 2008 al 24 de agosto de a subártico y estilos de vida que varían de La cuerda floja evolucionó de las danzas 2008 y fue la primera vez en la historia rural a metropolitano. de cuerda tradicionales que aparecieron que se realizaron en Pekín, China.

6 The Peking Acrobats MON | JAN 13 | 2020 TEACHING GUIDE DREAMCATCHERS Illustrating Chinese Proverbs Grades Lesson 1 2 - 12 Objectives CCSS Students will: ELA-Literacy.CCRA.L.3 • explore the concept of proverbs; ELA-Literacy.CCRA.L.4 • interpret and illustrate Chinese proverbs. ELA-Literacy.CCRA.R.4 ELA-Literacy.CCRA.R.7 Materials ELA-Literacy.CCRA.SL • Chinese Proverbs (pg. 4) • Dichos (pg. 6) NMSSS • Colored Pencils Content Standard I • Drawing Paper (History) ES Procedure 1. Discuss what a proverb is and why different cultures might use them. MS 2. Provide students with this or another list of Chinese proverbs. Discuss what each of the proverbs HS might mean. Ask the students for their interpretations. 3. Students choose a proverb and create an illustration of their interpretation of that proverb. Include the proverb on the illustration. 4. Students present their illustrations to the class. Extensions/Modifications • For a different effect, use watercolor paper and paints for the illustrations. • Explore proverbs from other cultures. • How are they similar to one another? • Students create their own proverbs.

Assessment • Illustrations • Teacher Observation

7 The Peking Acrobats MON | JAN 13 | 2020 TEACHING GUIDE DREAMCATCHERS Dichos

SPANISH ENGLISH MEANING Abril lluvioso hace a mayo hermoso. Rainy April makes May beautiful. April showers bring May flowers. A buena hambre no hay pan duro. No bread is heard when one is really hungry. Hunger is the best sauce. A cada tierra, su uso. To each land its custom. When you’re in Rome, do as the Romans do. A dónde va la gente, va Vicente. Wherever the people go, Vincent goes. Monkey see, monkey do. A la mejor cocinera se le ajuma la olla. Even the best cook blackens her pot. We all make mistakes. Al amigo y al caballo, no cansarlos. Tire out of neither your friend nor your horse. Friendship is not to be abused. Al perro más flaco se le cargan las pulgas. The scrawniest dog gets the most fleas. When it rains, it pours. Al mal tiempo, buena cara. Face adversity with a good countenance. Recommends facing adversity cheerfully. Arroz que no se menea, se quema. The rice that is not stirred will burn. Don’t let the grass grow under your feet. Aunque la mona se vista de seda, mona se Even though the monkey dresses in silk, it’s still a Dress a monkey as you wish, it queda. monkey. remains a monkey still. Al que madruga, Dios le ayuda. God helps an early riser. The early bird catches the worm. Bien canta Marta, después de harta. Martha sings well on a full stomach. A person is happy after achieving some particular end. Buenas son mis vecinas, pero me faltan tres My neighbors are nice, but I’m missing three chickens. You can’t judge a book by gallinas. its cover. Cada oveja con su pareja. Every sheep with its kind. Birds of a feather flock together. Cada quién siente su mal. Each one feel his own misfortune. Each one knows where his shoe pinches. Cómo siembras, segaras. As you plant, you will harvest. As you sow, so shall you reap. El tiempo de consejos. Time gives advice. Experience is the best teacher. El tiempo desengaña. Time removes doubt. Time will tell. Despacio se llega a tiempo. Slowly, one arrives on time. Easy does it. Poco a poco se anda lejos. Little by little one goes far. Perseverance wins the race. Por dinero baila el perro. The dog will dance for money. Money talks. Predicas, pero no aplicas. You preach, but do not practice. Practice what you preach. Quién calla, otorga. He who keeps silent, consents. Silence gives consent. Se lleva el asno al agua, pero no le hacen You can lead a horse to water, but you can’t You can lead a horse to water, but beber. make him drink. you can’t make him drink. Querer es poder. Desire is power. Where there’s a will, there’s a way. Un mal con un bien se paga. A wrong is repaid with a good turn. To err is human, to forgive, divine. Vale más callar que locamente hablar. Better to keep silent than to babble. Silence is golden. Vale más hoy que mañana. Better today than tomorrow. A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush. Ver es creer. To see is to believe. Seeing is believing. Y que la casa se quema, vamos a Since the house is burning, let us warm ourselves. Make the best of a bad situation. calentarnos.

8 The Peking Acrobats MON | JAN 13 | 2020 TEACHING GUIDE DREAMCATCHERS Grades How Inventive! 2 - 12 Lesson 2 CCSS Objectives ELA-Literacy.CCRA.R Students will: ELA-Literacy.CCRA.SL • examine Chinese inventions and their impact; • collaborate to research and present a Chinese invention to their peers.. Materials NMSSS Internet Resources: Chinese Inventions, More Chinese Inventions Content Standards Other print resources from the library or web I and II (History and Geography) • Partial list of inventions credited to the Chinese (i.e. compass, decimals, gunpowder, kites, matches, paper, paper money, parachute, pasta, printing, seismograph, silk, wheelbarrow, etc.) ES • Poster board MS • Invention Checklist (pg. 8) HS • Students arranged in pairs Procedure 1. Discuss Chinese inventions and how they have generally impacted or influenced society. What might the world be like if explorers did not have a compass? What would farmers do without a wheelbarrow, etc.? 2. Assign student pairs an invention and distribute the Invention Checklist. Explain that they will need to collect the information listed on the checklist. 3. Allow time for students to collect the information. 4. Once the information is collected, students create a learning poster about their assigned invention. 5. Posters are presented to the class.

Extensions/Modifications • Students work in small guided groups, with each group taking an invention. The groups then present their group posters to the rest of the class. • Create a PowerPoint presentation instead of learning posters. • Students dress as the inventor and present a model or other representation of the invention. Assessment • Invention Checklist • Teacher Evaluation

9 The Peking Acrobats MON | JAN 13 | 2020 TEACHING GUIDE DREAMCATCHERS How Inventive!

Names: Date: Invention: Does your learning poster include: The name of the invention? Where in China it was developed and who developed it? Approximate date this item was invented? What it was used for? How its use impacted society? How it is used today?

Also, have you considered:

Illustrations (maps, people, pictures of the invention)? Neatly worded text?

Comments:

10 The Peking Acrobats MON | JAN 13 | 2020 TEACHING GUIDE DREAMCATCHERS How Inventive!

Nombres: Fecha: Invento: ¿Incluye su póster lo siguiente?

El nombre del invento Donde en China se desarrolló y quién los desarrolló Fecha aproximada de cuando se inventó El uso del invento Su impacto en la sociedad Cómo se usa hoy en día

También, han incluido:

Ilustraciones (mapas, personas, dibujos del invento) Texto bien redactado

Comentarios:

11 The Peking Acrobats MON | JAN 13 | 2020 TEACHING GUIDE DREAMCATCHERS Qin, Zhong. Everyday’s Chinese. (China Questions Bonus Books, 1985). to Engage Turner-Gottschang, K., and Reed, L.A. China Explorations Bound. (National Academy Press, 1987). & Connect LESSONS & ACTIVITIES WEBSITES Do all cultures create art? Great Wall of China - Lesson Plan The Significance of Dragons in Chinese Why? Chinese Calligraphy and Ink Painting Culture One Arm Handstand Lesson How do the vibrant colors An Introduction to Chinese History and changes in costumes A History of China by Period contribute to the feel of OUTREACH ACTIVITIES History of Chinese Dance/Acrobatics each act? Includes beautiful video examples The Chinese Cultural Center has been a Information on the 2008 Beijing Olympics How do the live musicians part of Albuquerque for over 25 years. The and their instruments center is New Mexico’s home for traditional enhance the performance? Chinese Martial Arts (including Tai Chi and Kung Fu for children) and hosts classes to learn Mandarin Chinese, both traditional and When do you use the act of simplified. While at the center, you can also About the “balance” in your daily life? browse through their store for jewelry, feng shui items, traditional Chinese clothing, or Company Why do you think the martial arts supplies. Acting as diplomats of their artistic culture handstand is the first and since 1958, this elite group of gymnasts, most important skill to jugglers, cyclists, and tumblers have learn? toured the world over, transforming the 2,000-year-old art of acrobatics into What do you think Resources a kaleidoscope of entertainment and acrobats’ training is like BOOKS wonder. This outstanding troupe remains in order to develop their the largest of its kind and is accompanied excellent skills? Banister, Judith. China’s Changing by a live Chinese orchestra. The Peking Population. (Stanford University Press, Acrobats have been featured on numerous Why do you think the 1987). television shows, including Nickelodeon’s Chinese people created this Birch, Cyril and Keene, Donald, eds., “Unfabulous,” “The Ellen DeGeneres Show,” art form? What does it help Anthology of Chinese Literature, 2 Volumes. “The Wayne Brady Show,” and ABC’s “Wide them to express? (Grove, 1965, 1972). World of Sports.” The troupe set the world record for the Human Chair Stack on Fox’s Fraser, S.E. China: Population, Education and “Guinness Book” TV show, precariously In what ways do you People. (La trobe University Press, 1984). express yourself? balancing six people atop six chairs 21 feet Qifeng, Fu. Chinese Acrobatics through the up in the air without safety lines in a vibrant Ages. (Foreign Languages Press, 1985). display of bravery and dexterity.

12 The Peking Acrobats MON | JAN 13 | 2020 TEACHING GUIDE DREAMCATCHERS The Schooltime Series is a proud member of About the Schooltime Series The Popejoy Schooltime Series brings national and international touring companies and performers to Albuquerque. Each company is selected for youth and family audiences from PreK to 12th grade. Our repertoire reflects the cultural diversity of our global community. The Schooltime Series is curated to include new plays, familiar stories, literary works, biographies, mythologies, folktales, science shows, music, dance, and puppetry. These professional performing artists create entertaining educational experiences designed to encourage literacy, creativity, communication, and imagination.. The Popejoy Schooltime Series is supported in part by awards from: The Dreamcatchers Teaching Guides By their nature, the arts engage young minds in learning through observing, listening, creating, and moving, while offering various ways to acquire information and act on it in a dynamic world. They also offer a natural way to differentiate instruction through multiple modes of representation, expression, and engagement. Additionally, the arts are an authentic context in which students identify and solve problems, reflect, and create meaning. The Dreamcatchers help students embody the lessons and take- action on what they have learned. These guides introduce students to what they will see on stage, provide background information, a basic vocabulary associated with the show, fun facts, vetted resources, and activities providing a connection between the arts and classroom curriculum. Popejoy Hall Popejoy Hall is New Mexico’s premier nonprofit venue for the performing arts and entertainment. Our mission is to provide access to the performing arts for all New Mexicans. House Policies & Etiquette The inside of a theatre where the audience sits is called a “house.” To get along, have fun, and enjoy the show, there are rules to follow. Schooltime is a wonderful opportunity to learn how good behavior in a live theater is different from watching television. For guidelines to practice with your class and chaperones, including safety, special needs, food and drink, backpacks, cell phones, photography, recordings, and more, go to schooltimeseries.com/house-policies. The Eugene & Marion Castiglia Popejoy Children’s Schooltime Dreamcatcher Credits Endowment The Popejoy Schooltime Selected Dreamcatchers Teaching Guide materials provided by The Peking Acrobats, Education Endowment The Chinese Acrobatic Theater, and other resources noted within this guide.

POPEJOY HALL: UNIVERSITY FOUNDED ~ COMMUNITY FUNDED