Thursday, October 1, 2026
Students at James H. Vernon Elementary School were treated to a spectacular performance on March 2, when world-renowned acrobat Li Liu visited the school. A native of Shenyang, China, Liu wowed the audience with her extraordinary physical abilities while also weaving in lessons about Chinese language, geography and culture.
Vernon students watched as Liu demonstrated an array of skills, including hand balancing, plate spinning, ribbon dancing and diabolo. A few lucky students were even invited onstage, where they got hands-on experience spinning plates and trying their own ribbon tricks.
Liu began her training at age six and enrolled the following year at the Chinese National Circus School in Beijing, where she studied until age 16. She frequently performed alongside her sister, with her father serving as their coach. Her career took her around the globe with prestigious companies and productions, including the Liaoning Acrobatic Arts Troupe, Circus Knie and Zirkus Krone. She came to the United States in 2000 as a performer with Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus and has since appeared regularly with Princess Cruise Lines and at NBA halftime shows.
