The 'Gorgeous Girls' of diabolo at Zhuhai Int'l Circus Festival

A program presented by a group of Chinese performers called "Gorgeous Girls - Diabolo" dazzles with its graceful acrobatic routines. (Xinhua)

Some astonishing diabolo mastery is just one of the many highlights at the ongoing Zhuhai International Circus festival. A program presented by a group of Chinese performers called "Gorgeous Girls - Diabolo" dazzles with its graceful acrobatic routines.

"Gorgeous Girls - Diabolo" is one of 15 programs showcased at the Zhuhai International Circus Festival on Wednesday night. A signature work of China's National Acrobatic Troupe, the piece won the "Golden Clown" award at the 37th Monte Carlo Circus Festival.

By incorporating elements from Peking opera into diabolo tossing and acrobatic moves, this program shows off the agile movements of the girls, who perform with graceful ease.

"We learned Peking Opera for a long time before rehearsing this program, including stunts like face changing, staff wielding, somersaulting, and more," said one of the performers Yang Di.

The two long quills the girls wear on their heads add to their beauty, and to the difficulty of their performance. The new location has also proved challenging.

"I didn't notice there was a slope when I tossed a diabolo to one of my buddies. I only watched the diabolo without watching where I was standing. So I twisted my ankle," Yang said.

But in a sport that challenges the limits of human dexterity, no pain no gain. Yang has continued to rehearse despite her injury, and finished her routine perfectly at Wednesday night's performance, when these gorgeous girls were the only program from China.