The magic world seems to be all-encompassing and omnipotent. When everyone is still yearning for the dream castle of Hogwarts, the triennial World Magic Congress (FISM) is about to kick off, and an "Olympic" event belonging to magicians from all over the world is coming as scheduled.
On March 10th, the International Magic Union officially issued an invitation, the "Paper Airplane" performed by Zhu Mingzhu, a magician of the Rudong Acrobatic Troupe in our city, and the "Moonlight White Dove" performed by Ding Yang, two magic programs stood out in the FISM Asian Qualifiers, and won the only 2 final "tickets" in the Chinese mainland stage category.
The only two shortlisted, breaking through the best results in the province
"One regiment and two programs are shortlisted at the same time, which is unique in the mainland region, which also achieves a breakthrough of zero in the history of the province." Zhou Wangdong, head of the Rudong County Junior Acrobatic Troupe, said that for the show, everyone is full of confidence; it is even more proud to be able to represent China and Represent Asia.
On the morning of the 15th, when the reporter walked into the Rudong Acrobatic Troupe, actors Zhu Mingzhu and Ding Yang were making further preparations for the final four months later. "Today is the deadline for registration and membership, and if you miss it, you won't be able to participate." Zhu Mingzhu said that before arriving at the scene, in the face of the pre-game matters sent by the organizers one after another, there can be no omission.
In fact, this is not the first time he has participated in the FISM final. In 2018, at the FISM World Magic Congress held in South Korea, Zhu Mingzhu, as the only finalist in the mainland, achieved a good result of sixth place in the stage category with her magic performance "Paper Airplane". The show was originally produced by him, the world's first performance with paper airplanes as the carrier to form the entire performance process, using hundreds of various paper airplanes and more than 30 kinds of magic tricks. "The paper airplane is a beautiful memory of many people's childhood, and I also want to restore it in the form of magic and give it a certain sense of picture through the flight of the stage." Zhu Mingzhu introduced.
Unlike previous years, due to the impact of the epidemic, this qualifier was held in the form of a selection video. Worried that he would not be able to present the best results, after receiving the invitation, he finally put his mind at ease and turned to the tense preparation stage.
For Ding Yang, who stepped into the world magic event for the first time, this result was also a surprise. In 2019, Ding Yang won the gold medal of the highest level (international masters group) of the 11th Shanghai International Magic Festival with "Moonlight White Pigeon", which means that she can already reach the final of the 28th FISM; however, under the epidemic, the competition has been postponed until this year, lest there be variables, Ding Yang decided to participate in the qualifiers again and wait for the final result. "This result is safer and an affirmation of my ability." Now just want to perform smoothly and completely. Ding Yang said.
From the heart, create unprecedented stage art
Once upon a time, one was an "acrobatic major general" from Wuqiao, Hebei Province, and the other was an "artistic teenager" from Lianyungang, Jiangsu Province; after entering the Rudong Acrobatic Troupe, he sharpened a sword for ten years and sheathed it. Speaking of the two students, Zhou Wangdong felt most deeply about their obsession with magic.
In 2005, Ding Yang, who came from an acrobatic background, came to Nantong Rudong to find a big stage to show himself. However, in 2006, during a practice, she accidentally fell, resulting in a spinal injury, and the acrobatic dream was helplessly ended. "There were only two choices, either to leave the stage and go home or to learn magic instead." At that time, her heart filled the stage, and she resolutely chose the second way. After that, she studied with the famous magic show master Wang Qimo, and devoted herself to learning magic; in participating in magic competitions and exchanges around the world, she slowly fell in love with it.
After more than ten years of practice, "Moonlight White Dove" can be said to be the work with the deepest significance to it. In 2015, at the 9th China Acrobatic Golden Juju Awards, Ding Yang's magic trick "Changing Pigeons" stood out and won the gold award; she also won the reputation of "Queen of White Pigeons". "'Moonlight White Dove' is a comprehensive innovation based on 'Change of Pigeon'." Ding Yang told reporters that the original program won with the number of pigeons and innovative techniques, but after the upgrade, it became concise and clear. In addition to the reduction in numbers, the gentleness of the technique, and the double harvest of the pigeons, she also incorporated the familiar acrobatic technique - handstanding pigeons; in the costume, the traditional tuxedo was thrown away and the tights were used, which was more magical.
Talent plus acquired practice has allowed magic rising stars to grow into industry leaders, which can also be reflected in Zhu Mingzhu. "Interest is the first teacher, and it has the magic of not stopping to study." Zhu Mingzhu said. During his studies at the Nanjing Academy of arts, he came into contact with magic by chance; driven by curiosity, he began to think for himself, and in his sophomore year, he founded a magic club and immersed himself in learning magic.
Day after day, through self-study and study, he constantly accumulated magic knowledge and became proficient in magic techniques. After graduation, Zhu Mingzhu still unswervingly followed the path of magic and entered the Rudong Acrobatic Troupe in 2015. "In the past, learning magic was to learn one more trick, but now it is more about whether you can make it yourself and create original magic that makes your peers feel fresh." From this, "Paper Airplane" came out of the trend.
Strength out of the circle to create Nantong magic brand
The first Pan-Yangtze River Delta region "Golden Cane" Magic Competition Gold Award, the Second West Lake International Magic Exchange Conference Magic Competition Stage Magic Gold Award, "Golden Chrysanthemum Award" Gold Award, Asian Magic Union AMA Champion, Italy International Magic Convention Stage Group Gold Award... In the past ten years, Rudong Acrobatic Troupe has played the "magic card", led the magic out of Nantong and to the world, and won many awards on the domestic and international stages.
"The Nantong magic brand must not only continue, but also become stronger and stronger." Zhou Wangdong believes that the sustainable development of the team needs to find a breakthrough and then consider the full blossom, and magic will play a leading role; secondly, there must be a leaping development goal and a leapfrog thinking concept, only in this way can the impossible become possible and lead in the industry. According to reports, in August this year, the China Magic Innovation and Development Forum will land in Nantong Rudong, which will greatly help the city's magic culture to continue to have new momentum and create new brilliance.
Just like every time it goes abroad to perform, at present, the team has set up a temporary party branch and is always doing a good job in ensuring funds, personnel, time, itinerary and other aspects. "This is not only the pride of our team, but also the pride of Chinese acrobatics, and all our regiments and departments in the regiment must go all out to escort them." Zhou Wangdong said.
It is understood that the 28th FISM final will be held in Quebec, Canada, from July 25 to 30, 2022; at that time, under the witness of more than 2,000 magicians from more than 50 countries, Zhu Mingzhu and Ding Yang will compete with 150 players from all over the world, so let us look forward to their outstanding performance.
Source: Nantong Release