The Guanhua Acrobatic Team from Shanghai in Kaufman
by Alex Douglas
Feb 26, 2008
Valentine weekend the Guanhua Acrobatic Team from Shanhai, China found them stranded and staying at the Union Gospel Mission in Dallas. Promoter Gary Tullberg from Wisconsin mismanaged his funds and was not able to fulfill, at this time, his 9 month contract with the troupe. Fortunately, animal trainer, Doug Terranova, in Kaufman had known the troupe and invited them to stay at his ranch. When I called him up at that time, he asked me to call him back in a week to find out what would happen to the troupe.
A week and a half later, I called him up again to see what happened to them. As it turns out, they are still with him on his ranch. Doug has taken personal responsibility for their welfare. He is helping book performances with their agent for them to offset their expenses.
According to a report by Holly Yan from the Dallas Morning News, a fund has been established to benefit the Guahhua Acrobatic team. They are performing around Texas since they are here. They will be performing in Austin at the Society of Texas Entertainment Professionals convention March 2.
Doug told me over the phone that they have already performed in Dallas. They performed at a political rally in Richardson on Sunday (Feb 24) for Pete Sessions and Kay Bailey Hutchinson. I surfed the net looking for any article on that, but found none. They are also going to perform in Hildago at a large circus event with many other performers.
If anyone wants to help out, either by hiring them for a show, or to contribute a donation, you can do so either by email Doug Terranova or call him at 214-952-4520. It is not practical for them to do free shows. It costs at least $1,500 just to transport the entire troupe, so they are looking for professional offers only.