Acrobats, shoulder ballet part of Manitoba's largest Chinese New Year celebration

The largest Chinese New Year celebration in the province, hosted by Manitoba Great Wall Performing Arts, will take the stage Saturday night at Pantages Playhouse.

Chinese New Year was officially Feb. 8, whenthe year of the goat switched tothe year of the monkey, but many Chinese celebrate for two weeks. The show Saturday is a continuation of those celebrations, and agreat way for local Chinese families to connect with the culture of mainland China, saidRosanaLeungShing, vice-president of Manitoba Great Wall Performing Arts.

• Chinese New Year's celebrations get off to early start in Winnipeg

Acrobats, musicians and dancers from theGuizhouCulture Exchange Performing Troupe have been flown to Winnipeg fromGuizhouprovince in the southern part of Chinafor theshow. Students from the Great Wall Dance Academy of Canada will join the performers fromGuizhouto showcase traditional Chinese dances.

"We can't all go to China, so for us to have them come here, it's a treat. We don't normally have a big show like this during the Chinese New Year," said Leung Shing.

The show isn't just for Chinese families who are living in the city, it is a showcase for everyone, LeungShing said.

"It's for all ages and all different cultures, not just for the Chinese community. We want to show what the Chinese people can do," said Leung Shing.

The show has sold out in the past but tickets are still available this year's performance. Tickets start at $25 and the show starts at 7p.m.