Nearly 60 years ago, 20 young Tanzanians travelled to China to study acrobatics after a visiting Chinese troupe inspired national leaders.
Training began in Wuhan in 1965, marked by early hardships, and in 1968 they met Chairman Mao alongside Tanzania’s founding president.
Returning in 1969, they formed Africa’s first National Acrobatics Troupe, which toured Tanzania and neighbouring countries.
Decentralization in 1977 spread trainers across regions.
Ex-trainees later founded groups like Bantu International Acrobatic, inspiring new generations.
Since 2008, instructors have trained dozens, birthing Happy Center Acrobatic Talent, now with 200 members.
Today, acrobatics thrives as a career, carrying forward the China-Tanzania legacy.
