It certainly looks easier than the chair act, but it's still not advisable for mere mortals with any expectation of long life to try at home. Live music, performed on exotic-looking Chinese instruments, as well as a sprinkling of comedy pieces, provide relief from the intensity of some of the more suspenseful exploits. In addition to their acrobatic skills, these performers obviously enjoy and take pride in what they do. They share jokes with the audience and revel with them in the successful conclusions of their daring acts. The company is under the direction of Hai Ken Tsai whose family has turned out master acrobats for three generations.
Training begins with children as young as five, who start out by watching the performances.
They are taught to follow a rigorous schedule, which continues throughout their lives. The touring company includes performers as young as nine, while the average age tends to be 16 or 17.