THE Chinese State Circus will return to the Grand Opera House, York, on Monday night to present Dynasty, three years since their last theatre trip with Ying Yang.

Thirty world-class Chinese acrobats, aerial artistes and jugglers will interact with the super-human physical skills and dexterity of the masters of martial arts, the legendary Shaolin Warriors.

Chinese acrobatics is a common form of art in the People's Republic, where it has a long history with a distinct national style, evolving from the Chinese people’s everyday life and work. Historical records, ancient carvings and decorative patterns on utensils show the origin of Chinese acrobatics more than 2,000 years ago in the period of the Warring States.

During the Quin and Han Dynasties, from 221 B.C. to 220 A.D., acrobatic artistes developed a wide repertoire, and so acrobatics was called “the show of a hundred tricks".

The history of the Chinese State Circus spans 25 years since the touring troupe was conceived by creative director Phillip Gandey when he witnessed Oriental acrobats performing at the Monte Carlo Circus Festival. After working out the logistics of transporting 45 artistes, plus directors, interpreters and five tonnes of props, half way around the world, the show hit the road.

Tickets cost £17.25 upwards on 0844 871 3024 or at atgtickets.com/york