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E-mail Xinhua, June 12, 2024
A video of acrobat Niu Rong's performance at an NBA game has gone viral recently on the internet, garnering widespread attention on major video platforms.
In the video, Niu, dressed in a bright outfit and high heels, performs to the traditional Chinese music "Bridal Sedan Chair." She rides a unicycle over two meters high with one foot, expertly kicking a stack of white porcelain bowls onto her head, drawing applause and cheers from the audience.
Known by her stage name "Red Panda," Niu chose this name because red symbolizes China, and the panda is a native animal, making her memorable to her audiences.
Niu is one of the most popular halftime show performers in the NBA, with American media hailing her act as "the best halftime show in basketball." Since her debut in 1993, she has performed for 30 NBA teams, showcasing her high-altitude bowl balancing acrobatics for 21 seasons. Her journey began in Shanxi Province, northern China.
Born into an acrobatic family in Taiyuan, north China's Shanxi Province, Niu started practicing acrobatics at a young age. "When I was young, I practiced somersaults and handstands, but I found I'm not good at it. So I choose to practice unicycle bowl Balancing when I was 7," she recalled.
Niu's NBA debut came the day before Thanksgiving in 1993 when she performed at the Clippers' home court in Los Angeles. Her five-minute performance received four standing ovations.
"During the performance, 4 bowls fell steadily on my head one after another. There was applause almost every time I flipped a bowl. I couldn't believe it," Niu recalled.
Since then, Niu has become a fixture in NBA halftime shows. "She is the most dominant performer in the NBA, and her bowl balancing technique is even more accurate than Curry's three-pointers," praised an NBA team head coach.
However, Niu's career has not been without challenges. She once fell from a stool over two meters high, fracturing her arm. "During that time, my father had passed away, and I was down for a while. When I tried to go back on stage again, I thought I was ready, but I wasn't focused enough," Niu admitted.
In October 2015, Niu overcame her injury and returned to the NBA court, once again becoming a fan favorite.
Speaking of her hometown Shanxi, Niu said, "I used to go back to Shanxi at least once a year, but I haven't had time to go back in recent years. I must make it this summer."
After working overseas for many years, she misses Shanxi's vinegar and noodles the most. "When I left Shanxi, it didn't have its own professional basketball team. If there is a chance in the future to perform in my hometown, that would be great," Niu added.
