The English Gents, aka Denis Lock and Hamish McCann of "La Soiree"

The English Gents, aka Denis Lock and Hamish McCann, use strength and balance to perform acrobatic feats in "La Soiree," the international stage troupe.

OFFBEAT: Cirque du Soleil's 'Dralion' tour more familiar then the expected feats of wonder

Phil Potempa's daily entertainment news column.

Feats of Fantasy: Navy Pier's run of 'Cirque Shanghai: Year of the Dragon' defies gravity

The large metal sphere, containing a speeding line of motorcyclists, called "the Globe of Death" is always a favorite show moment for Cirque Shanghai's summer run at Chicago's Navy Pier.

Chinese Barrel Contortionists of Cirque Shanghai Troupe

Amazing Chinese contortionists bend their bodies to showcase spell-binding tricks using elaborate barrels during one of 15 acts in the 2011 Cirque Shanghai Extreme playing through Sept. 5 on the Pepsi Skyline Stage at Navy Pier in Chicago.

OFFBEAT: Navy Pier's 2011 Cirque Shanghai Extreme show a heart-pounding thrill sensation

Phil Potempa's daily entertainment news column.

OFFBEAT: New 'Cirque Eloize' acrobatics showcase more of usual antics

Phil Potempa's daily entertainment news column.

Acrobats demonstrate high flying fun

The Mapapa African Acrobats, from Kenya, balance on each other Thursday during a performance at Central Elementary School in Portage.

Acrobats demonstrate high flying fun

Zeggy Al,i of the Mapapa African Acrobats, perform Thursday at Central Elementary School in Portage.

Acrobats demonstrate high flying fun

The Mapapa African Acrobats, from Kenya, perform a jumprope routine Thursday for students at Central Elementary School in Portage.

Arcrobats demonstrate high flying fun

Gona Ngala, of the Mapapa African Acrobats, performs Thursday during a jump rope routine at Central Elementary School in Portage.

Arcrobats demonstrate high flying fun

Central Elementary School first-grader Nakara Harrop-Haywood limbos with the Mapapa African Acrobats, from Kenya, during a performance Thursday in Portage.