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Legend of Kung-Fu Returns to China

A dynamic showcase featuring Shaolin Kung-Fu, "The Legend of Kung-Fu," is performing in Beijing, after a five-month performance in the United States.

A dynamic showcase featuring Shaolin Kung-Fu, "The Legend of Kung-Fu," is performing in Beijing, after a five-month performance in the United States.

The bullet-like speed of the performers arms sets the tone for the two 50-minute acts. The pace of the show rarely slows. About 50 performers demonstrate at least 17 styles of Kung-Fu during the breathtaking performance.

Different from traditional Kung-Fu shows, it displays a narrative story with diverse elements, including martial arts, acrobatics, dancing, and singing.

The show follows the path of a boy, Chun Yi. While learning Kung-Fu from his mentor, he not only gains physical power, but mental strength. He deals with his mother's death, while also turning aside the advances of woman. He finally becomes a warrior and fights for peace. The director, Ray Roderick, says this also embodies the central message of Kung-Fu.

China Heaven Creation Company purchased the White House Theatre in Branson, Missouri in the US, to display the show. Between July and November about 70-thousand people came to see the show.

"I wanna learn Kung Fu."

"Yeah, seriously."

"I wanna learn to do Kung Fu. I like it a lot."

Branson mayor Raeanne Presley said, "Certainly, people want to learn more about Chinese culture, and I think the venue, the depth of the story, and the production will really be something that will appeal to our visitors."

The purchase of the theater by the China Heaven Creation creates a new model for China's commercial showcase industry. The company says the model will help bring Chinese brands to the American mainstream market. This will benefit the long-term commercial performances of Chinese theater companies.

Xu Muhan of Heavy Creation Company, said, "We'll continue our attempts. We already signed a contract with the biggest government-owned theater company in Austria, and will have shows there next year. We'll also try to establish connections with other countries, bringing Chinese culture to the world."

Since 2004, "The Legend of Kung Fu" has had more than three-thousand performances, throughout China, Europe, and the US.