Seven Days: Vermont's Independent Voice

Keeping Time

Chinese folk-art traditions dating back 2000-plus years are anything but same old, same old in the hands of the Peking Acrobats. What’s ancient is new again as the professional touring troupe from China lets loose a string of tumbling, contortions and juggling — all of which had the New York Times declaring, “Zounds!” — at the Paramount Theatre on Friday. Backed by live musicians on traditional Chinese instruments, a fleet of performers completes breathtaking feats ranging from human jump roping to trick cycling to towering pyramids. This year is the silver anniversary of the crew’s North American tours, so audiences can anticipate a fresh batch of acts marking the moment.