‘Chinese Spectacular’ ‘is a great masterpiece’, Says Ballet School Owner

By Rosemarie Frühauf, Epoch Times German Staff, Apr 20, 2008-

MUNICH, Germany — Barbara Zapf-Dorn, owner of a ballet school in Nuremberg, thoroughly enjoyed the renowned Chinese Spectacular when she attended the show at Munich’s Prince Regent Theatre on Saturday.

(photo: Barbara Zapf-Dorn, owner of a ballet school in Nuremberg. /Jason Wang,The Epoch Times)

She commented on the high caliber of the dancers. “It was excellent. The precision was impressive as well as the intensity with which the performers danced. They also endure quite a lot. They have to sacrifice a lot in order to perform like this. It was, all things considered, a great masterpiece. From the dancing, the music, singing, lighting, to the stage picture, everything was perfect.”

Zapf-Dorn was especially impressed by the Mongolian Bowl Dance in which the dancers delicately balance bowls on their heads.

“The choreography in this big crowd impressed me; everything performed there was truly in its own way unique. I have already seen many performances, international – the Bolschoi Theater and many more — but the interpretation here was something new for me and very interesting. The new thing was the special movements of the Chinese dance with the arms and the walking, without moving the upper body.”

Zapf-Dorn was a solo dancer at the state theatre in Stuttgart before she opened a professional school for stage dancing in Nuremberg. There she takes care of performances for the opera house.

“I also do things in the opera house in Nuremberg with up to 150 participants. I always say, if one does not have enough dancers, one cannot express something great. I then go and fetch the talented people from various schools.”

For information about upcoming Divine Performing Arts shows, please visit:
www.BestChineseShows.com.

The Epoch Times is a proud sponsor of the Chinese Spectacular. For our complete coverage please visit:
http://en.epochtimes.com/features/dpa2008/

- Original report: Ballet School Owner: ‘Spectacular’ ‘is a great masterpiece’

E-card, Vancouver, 2008, Chinese Spectacular

‘The visual effects were ingenious’, Czech Opera Singer Says of ‘Chinese Spectacular’

By Kamil Rakyta, Epoch Times Staff, Mar 11, 2008-

PRAGUE, Czech Republic— “Totally, completely divine,” said Alexandra Polarczyk describing the Chinese Spectacular after attending the matinee at the Prague Congress Centre on Tuesday.

Polarczyk was especially impressed by the dancers.

(photo: Opera singer Alexandra Polarczyk said that the Chinese Spectacular was “completely divine”. / Jan Jekielek/The Epoch Times)

“They are perfectly organized, very silent, they are floating — it seems that they weigh only a few grams. They are wonderful. I’ve got feeling that there are five hundred of them.”Although still studying opera singing, Polarczyk is already performing at the Antonin Dvorak Theater, a major Moravian theater.”I liked every performance. The visual effects were ingenious. That one with fabrics, for example the waterfall [Nymphs of the Sea], it takes your breath away.”

She was also impressed by the state of the art digital backdrops used in the Spectacular.

“The video projections were super, they were nicely blended into the story. Wonderful stories, wonderful expressions.”

As for the singing, one of her favourites was the contra-altist, Jiansheng Yang. However, she said the erhu performance made her feel like she was “in Heaven.”

“The most beautiful musical experience for me was the Erhu player, Xiaochun Qi. It was perfect, I wanted to listen it for a whole lifetime. Like magic, splendid.”

The erhu is a two-stringed Chinese instrument known for its wide range of notes and mellow, haunting sound. Polarczyk also commented on the professionalism of the show.

“It was like professional recording, like they polished faults in studio and then played the best version of recording. Perfect. From artistic viewpoint I’m very positively surprised.”

For our complete coverage please visit:
http://en.epochtimes.com/features/dpa2008/

Chinese Spectacular Show ‘Pure beauty is beyond words’ : Taiwan Art Director

By Lin Qiaorong, Epoch Times Staff, Mar 11, 2008-

TAIPEI— New York-based Divine Performing Arts is now following up in Taiwan, being well underway with its 22-show tour. The performance venues include the cities of Tainan, Kaohsiung, Taichung, Taipei and Chiayi.

After watching the Chinese Spectacular several times, art director in a dancing company, Yang Siya, stated that Divine Performing Arts is changing the world. Originally she bought 52 tickets. Ultimately she ended up buying 80.

With over 20 years experience in dance instruction, Yang went to Radio City Music Hall in New York City at the time of the Chinese New Year to watch Divine Performing Arts’ Splendor. She said, “Art needs to move the spirit. When people’s hearts are moved, they can understand a whole lot more. Divine Performing Arts has proved this by virtue of the fact that its worldwide tour has drawn in audiences from various nationalities, cultural backgrounds and professions.”

The large background scenery really inspired Yang. “The use of simple bright and dark lights combined with high-tech backdrops, not only let people see clearly what was happening on the stage, but also changed the scenes so rapidly that they appeared so vivid and lifelike, thereby drawing in the audience’s attention and making them feel part of the show. For example, as “Lady of the Moon” was presented, suddenly the performer was shown to be flying into the heavens, the perfect harmony of this scene shocked the audiences.”

Someone asked what it takes to understand Divine Performing Arts’ performances,  Yang replied with a smile, “It doesn’t matter if you don’t understand Chinese or have an artistic background.” She said, “Whenever ‘Nymphs of the Sea’ was shown, I could hear a murmur of wonder and delight run through the audience, followed by continuous applause then. The fairies waved the fans so gracefully that you could feel as if the sea tides were coming towards you. The pure beauty of the artistry is beyond words. Anybody can understand it.”

Yang particularly mentioned how she noticed the clear presentation of the distinction between males and females which is part of the Chinese traditional culture. The dances clearly presented the sharp contrast between Yin and Yang.

“From the perspective of dance style, Chinese classical dance can be classified as civil or martial. Male dancers appear gentle, courteous and cultivated in civil dances, and virile and masculine in martial. A man should be like a man. Females are born to be elegant and pretty. Even though in martial dances they display animated courage, they should not lose the quality of feminine softness. These characteristics are neglected in modern popular performances. However, you can clearly distinguish these characteristics in the shows by Divine Performing Arts. They truly display authentic Chinese culture to the world.”

The Epoch Times is a proud sponsor of the Chinese Spectacular. For our complete coverage please visit: http://en.epochtimes.com/features/dpa2008

‘It is an honor for me to be here,’ Says Fashion Designer at Vienna’s Chinese Spectacular Show

By Milene Wirth Fernandez and Joan Delaney, Epoch Times Staff, Mar 07, 2008-

“It’s a piece of home,” said La Hong in describing the Chinese Spectacular , currently playing at Vienna’s stately Stadtahalle, the oldest theatrical institution in the German-speaking world, dating back to the beginning of the 18th century.

An award-winning fashion designer, Hong is originally from Vietnam but has lived in Vienna for 27 years. He says the cultures of China and Vietnam are similar, and the Spectacular reminded him of the home he left many years ago.

“I have been away from home for so long that the show reminded me of home. It meant a lot to me. It is an honor for me to be here today, and I feel right at home. Putting it in general terms, the colors, the music and the dancers’ movements made me very happy. I experience the same colors and movements in my fashion creations.”

Hong commented on what the Spectacular meant for him.

“The show spoke to me about the inner senses that are inherent in all of us. Though we live in modern times, we must not forget that each of us has a depth, our origin. Everything these days, though, has strings attached to politics, all over the world — especially so in China.

“All of us on Earth would like to live in freedom, to move around where we wish, to achieve our best potential, to enrich everyone else’s lives. I think this is the actual meaning of this whole show, not merely the colors and music and movements, but the underlying message, as I said before — freedom.”

Hong said he primarily designs evening and bridal wear, and he commented on the colours and costumes in the show — which are all handmade — from the standpoint of a designer.

“My clothes collections are just as colorful as the show costumes we have seen today.

The colors serve a purpose and represent a playfulness; they express being part of our lives. Specially now, in the winter, the colors all around us are drab and there is a dampness. Seeing cheerful colors lifts our spirits.”

Hong worried that some in the audience may have not fully understood the more profound inner meaning of the acts.

“I am somewhat sad that most of the members in the audience have only a superficial grasp of the underlying message of these performances. Perhaps Westerners did understand what the dances try to convey, I am not sure, but I have understood their meaning! I wish more people would comprehend the meaning of these shows.

After another show in Vienna on Friday, the Spectacular will play in Bratislava on Sunday, carrying on to Prague for more shows next week. A total of 35 shows will be seen in 14 European countries.

For information about upcoming Divine Performing Arts shows, please visit: www.DivinePerformingArts.org/sy/.

The Epoch Times is a proud sponsor of the Chinese Spectacular. For our complete Spectacular coverage go to http://en.epochtimes.com/features/dpa2008/

Chinese Spectacular Is a ‘Great way of spreading a great culture’, says Chairman of Tokyo Chinese Language Center

“I am grateful to friends who told me about this show, it is fortunate that they asked me to come. This is the first time that I have seen such a good show — it is a great way of spreading a great culture.” more details please check this report from Tokyo, Japan

The Chinese Splendor is ‘a visual feast’, Says Choreographer, Tap Dancing Master

By Wen Zhong and Sarah Matheson, Epoch Times Staff, Feb 09, 2008-

NEW YORK—Jerry Ames, an American choreographer and tap dancing master, was very impressed by the beauty of Chinese New Year Splendor on Friday night.

“The talent is very, very lovely, and the music and the setting is just gorgeous,” he said.

Mr. Ames has performed on Broadway, in nightclubs, on luxury liners, and on some of the major television channels in the United States.

(photo: Jerry Ames and his companion, Adorama at Splendor on Friday night/ by the Epochtimes)

His companion, Adorama, is a former dancer who is currently working with the Dance Notation Bureau.

She said she enjoyed watching the dancers’ footwork in “The Fruits of Goodness.” “Those two boys who got lost … I looked at their feet. Gorgeous. Beautiful feet—which shows obviously the training they’ve had,” she said.

Mr. Ames said the performances were all very unique. “And we particularly like the costumes, very lavish and beautiful,” he said. Adorama said the digital backdrops were also impressive. “On that scale, that’s very unusual to see, because the stage is so large, and then to have this projection,” she said.

Mr. Ames said Radio City Music Hall was the perfect venue for the show, “because it’s so large, it’s just beautiful.”

He really enjoyed the drums. “Oh that was very impressive…wonderful, wonderful,” he said.

Mr. Ames expected people would learn about the show through word of mouth. “I’m sure that everybody who saw it will tell their friends,” he said.

He said he also liked the sentiment behind the lyrics. “What impressed me were the lyrics speaking of freedom, and against tyranny … The music was great,” he said.

They both described the show as a “visual feast.”

“With the color schemes and the way the costumes blend with the setting is very impressive. It’s very elegant, very successful,” Mr. Ames continued. “We’re very impressed, it’s just beautiful … We’re very happy to be here.”

The Chinese New Year Splendor continues in New York through Saturday, Feb. 9. For other shows in the Divine Performing Arts world tour, please visit: http://www.DivinePerformingArts.org/

Source: Choreographer, Tap Dancing Master Says ‘Splendor’ is ‘a visual feast’

The Chinese Splendor Shows How to ‘Promote peace and harmony’, Says Korean Family

By Dalia Or, Epoch Times New York Staff, Feb 09, 2008-

NEW YORK—As the Chinese New Year Splendor nears the end of it 11-day run at Radio Music Hall, a family of three generations who attended Saturday’s matinee had high praise for the show.

“Culture is meant to promote peace and harmony with our neighbors. This harmony includes truth, compassion and tolerance,” said Daniel Lee, a real estate investor with Speed Investment Group in New York City.

“This world has plusses and minuses, but there is another world beyond this world, beyond this time-space. The Splendor shows us about history, culture, and how to promote peace and harmony in the world. I liked how it was presented in the show very much.”

Lee attended the Splendor with his wife, father, and son. “Three generations of us are here,” he said, pointing to his father and son. “My father is 90 years, I’m 45 years old, and my son is 15 years old.”

Lee said that his favorite piece was a Korean dance called “Changbai Mountains.”

“I like the Changbai Mountain dance very much. This mountain is the model of all the mountains on the earth. We Koreans call it the model mountain.”

Particularly taken in by the deeper meaning of the performances, Lee said, “The show was very good. Not only the music, but also beyond it. I’m referring to spiritual things.”

His wife, Hong Kim Elizabeth, a lawyer originally from Korea added that it was an “excellent show.”

After playing 15 shows in New York between January 30 and February 9, the Chinese New Year Splendor will continue its tour of over 65 cities worldwide with its next stop in Europe.

The Chinese New Year Splendor continues in New York through Saturday, Feb. 9. For other shows in the Divine Performing Arts world tour, please visit: http://www.DivinePerformingArts.org/ .

Source: Chinese ‘Splendor’ Shows How to ‘Promote peace and harmony in the world’

‘Chinese New Year Splendor’ ‘Never to forget’ : Violist Eric Shumsky’s Letter

The Epoch Times, Feb 01, 2008-

Eric Shumsky’s Letter on the ‘Chinese New Year Splendor’

The Chinese New Year Splendor is an evening of performance never to forget!

Having seen the first Winter Divine Performing Arts show at the Beacon it was with great pleasure to attend their equally spectacular show at Radio City on January 31.While I would have preferred the audience lights to be dimmed a bit more and the announcers’ microphones turned down a bit, I was mesmerized immediately with the incredibly felt performances from all the artists.

(photo: NEW YORK: Eric Shumsky, violist and son of Oscar Shumksy, outside Radio City Music Hall on December 31, 2008 /The Epoch Times)

Having been raised with a great father one of the consummate artists of violin the world has known (Oscar Shumsky 1917-2000, Shumskymusic.com) I was always told and understood that feeling above all is most important. Striving for cleanliness and exactness of performance is fine but the end result must be heartfelt and meaningful.

The spectacular array of talent from beautiful choreographed dance works, including Lady of the Moon inspired by a Chinese legend, to Forsythia In Spring , portraying the flower welcoming. Spring lightness and grace could not have been more aptly titled. Dancers danced suspended in thin air, as if on clouds!

Sets with changing and imaginative backgrounds superimposed dancing figures and beautiful scenery, colored by China’s profound past.

I loved especially the lead dance work of Michelle Ren, who is an artist the minute she walks on stage. Her grace is an understatement in elegance, simplicity and beauty, and her presence divine splendor.

I don’t have room here for all the great contributors. The music, a melange of east and west, quickly got to the underlying meaning behind each drama to be depicted. Junyi Tan, Xuan Tong, Yuan Gao, Yu Deng and Ningfang Chen must be given enormous credit for their original and special music.

And I would be leaving out a great part of the show. The elegant and artistic Erhu player: Xiaochun Qi.

I know most of the classical string players performing today and I dare say most of them could take lessons in the essence of expression. The little girl can express more feelings from her simple little instrument than years of conservatory and PR hype, and this includes most of the big name performers on today’s concert circuits. She really feels the music—the goose bumps on my arm proved it. I know Dad would have loved this kind of playing and feeling.

I will be back and bring my friends too!

Eric Shumsky

- Original report from the Epochtimes

Celebrated Canadian Dancer: Chinese Spectacular ‘not just pretty pretty, it’s serious pretty’

By Jason Loftus, Epoch Times Toronto Staff, Jan 19, 2008-

TORONTO— Vanessa Harwood is among Canada’s most honoured dancers. After attending the Toronto premier of Divine Performing Arts’ Chinese New Year Spectacular at the Sony Centre she’ll be telling others about the beauty of the show.

Harwood was a principal dancer with the National Ballet of Canada. The Sony Centre for the Performing Arts, once home of National Ballet of Canada, is her home, says Harwood. She danced there with the National Ballet in the 1960’s and 1970’s and her photo still hangs on the wall in the theatre.

(photo: Honoured Canadian ballet dancer Vanessa Harwood/ by the Epochtimes)

In 1984, Harwood was honoured for her accomplishments with the country’s top civilian honour, the Order of Canada.

She attended the show Friday with her husband, Hugh Scully, is a surgeon, professor, and former president of the Ontario Medical Association.

“There’s this sort of calmness that goes through it. . . this ethereal feeling,” said Harwood, describing the show. “Everything is sort of on one level. It has passion, but yet it’s calm. And it’s beautiful.”

“It’s not just pretty pretty. It’s serious pretty – there’s a lot of depth to it, and a lot of meaning. They take it very seriously. And it’s beautiful to see it.”

The Divine Performing Arts dance company has made it a mission to revive classical Chinese dance, a form of traditional culture that has been suppressed almost to the point of extinction in China by the ruling Chinese Communist Party.

Harwood spoke about how the Khmer Rouge communist dictatorship that ruled Cambodia from 1975 to 1979 and killed a quarter of the population tried to destroy Cambodian dance but was unsuccessful.

“The Cambodian dance, they tried to kill it completely; one person survived and brought it back. Dance expresses your culture, so it will never go. It’s so important for dance as a culture to continue someone’s culture.”

“It’s like the lotus flower,” said Harwood, comparing the ability of dance to rise from adversity to that of the flower which rises from the mud to grow into something beautiful.

“If you can preserve it, it’s fantastic.”

“And there’s one other thing about dance – it has no language barrier. You can understand it no matter what your language is.”

With her past experience as a dancer Harwood said she was able to see the amount of rehearsal that went into the show. She could tell the backgrounds of many of the dancers. Besides the obvious training in classical Chinese dance Harwood identified that particular dancers were clearly trained in ballet, some in other dances.

“They’re so elegant and beautifully rehearsed. And it’s very nice to see the Chinese culture mixed with the classical dance.”

Her favourite performance depicted traditional Mongolian dancing. “There’s something mysterious about it,” she said.

Harwood is a member of the World Dance Alliance, which describes itself as the primary voice for dance and dancers throughout the world. The organization encourages the exchange of ideas and the awareness of dance in all its many forms. She said she plans to recommend the show to others in the organization.

“I’m going to have to tell them – they’ll have to see it when it comes to their town.”

“This is beautiful, it’s professional and very well done.”

The Toronto debut of the Chinese Spectacular performed before a packed Sony Centre, one of city’s top cultural venues and the largest soft-seat theatre in Canada. The audience appeared engrossed in the show, with frequent raptures of applause. An ovation sustained throughout the curtain call, with many rising to show their appreciation. Friday’s performance was the first of five shows in Toronto and one of twenty shows in Canada.

After Toronto, the Spectacular will continue on its global tour, which includes an 11-day run at the legendary Radio City Music Hall in New York. The show returns to Canada for shows in Vancouver, Edmonton, and Calgary in the spring. By the end of its tour, the show will have played to a total live audience of 650,000 in over 60 cities and 14 countries.

The Epoch Times is a proud sponsor of the Divine Performing Arts shows that will perform in over 60 cities worldwide in 2008. To find a show near you, please visit www.bestchineseshows.com.

- Original report from the Epochtimes