They begin to develop their bodies from an early age. In the case of the Oulad Sidi Hmad ou Moussa group, who come from the southern Atlas in Morocco, being an acrobat is an inheritance that is passed on from fathers to sons. This tradition, which originated in times of war with the most skillful and agile warriors, has now become a show that travels the world and leaves its mark on whoever is fortunate enough to see it.

At 6:30 p.m., the thirteen members of the acrobat group made their appearance before the public. Eleven of them were dressed in elegant traditional costume; the other two members provided the music for the show with a bongo and a flute. The exhibition began with some individual exercises that drew the first gasps of amazement from spectators. Leaps, somersaults and all kinds of pirouettes served as a warmup prior to the first group and pair figures.

Apart from the skill they showed on the carpet the best part of the show was witnessing the excitement and pleasure with which they performed for all those present. Smiles and exclamations were constant features of the most impressive leaps and body twists imaginable. No floor mats or props; just their strength, balance and agility.

Anybody who is usually impressed by this kind of show should make their way to the Forum in order to enjoy almost thirty minutes of a wide-ranging and complicated exhibition of acrobatics, one in which the acrobats make use of both their own and others' bodies.