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Monte-Carlo, Monaco (12 October 2010) - On the occasion of Monaco Day at the 2010 World’s Fair in Shanghai, China, the Fédération Mondiale du Cirque’s Honorary President H.S.H. Princess Stephanie of Monaco bestowed the honorary title of Circus Ambassador on Madame Xia Juhua, outgoing President of the Chinese Acrobatics Association (CAA).  Ambassador Xia accepted the award at a gala dinner hosted by H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco and attended by Chinese dignitaries.  The gala dinner followed a day of circus performances and exhibitions at the Exposition Site on 7 October 2010. 

The theme of Circus as Monaco’s special contribution to this year’s World’s Fair was selected by H.S.H. Prince Albert of Monaco. China is home to world renowned acrobatic troupes and artists featured in circuses around the world, including their many performances at the annual Festival International du Cirque de Monte-Carlo, recognized as the world’s premiere circus competition that was begun by Prince Rainier III in 1974 and successfully continues under the presidency of H.S.H. Princess Stephanie of Monaco.

Ambassador Xia is one of China’s most acclaimed contortion and balancing artists, known as the “Empress of Acrobatics.”  She became the symbol of Chinese acrobatics due to her outstanding and innovative balancing routines with Pagoda bowls.  In 1981, she helped establish the Chinese Acrobatics Association (CAA), a national association for acrobats.  Under her leadership, the CAA has played a pivotal role in advancing the art of Chinese acrobatics and gaining worldwide recognition of the highly talented Chinese acrobats.  Ambassador Xia will retire from the CAA later this year.

During her acceptance speech, Ambassador Xia announced the intention of the Chinese Acrobatics Association to become a member of the Fédération Mondiale du Cirque in the near future, joining the six founding members: the Festival International du Cirque de Monte-Carlo, the European Circus Association, the Outdoor Amusement Business Association in the United States, the Circus Federation of Australia, the Animal Interest Alliance of South Africa, and the Canadian organization En Piste. 

The Fédération Mondiale du Cirque is a non-profit organisation founded in 2008 under the patronage of H.S.H. Princess Stephanie of Monaco for the preservation and promotion of circus arts and culture and is headquartered in Monte-Carlo.