January 23, 2009
(Clearwisdom.net) WESTCHESTER, NY--Harrison Mayor Joan Walsh gave the Divine Performing Arts Chinese New Year Splendor a resounding vote of approval on Friday night, Jan. 24.
"I just think it's wonderful. The action is great. And the backgrounds
are fabulous. It's very fascinating," she said.
The show was held in The Performing Arts Center, Purchase College, in Harrison.
It was the first time a Chinese cultural show had performed in the complex, and
Ms. Walsh was impressed. "Very enjoyable, and I'm impressed with how many
in the audience, the house is just about full--very good."
The grace and athleticism of the performers stood out for Ms. Walsh. When
talking about the difference between the Chinese performing arts and Western
performers she said, "The music is different and that's what comes forth,
but you really don't hear it as much as [see] the grace of the performers...
It's very enjoyable."
Divine Performing Arts (DPA) seeks to breathe new life into traditional Chinese
culture, often through story-based dance, one of Divine Performing Arts'
trademarks. These dances give dramatic portrayal to the cherished stories of
yesterday and today. Their figures embody the most exalted virtues of Chinese
civilization, and convey a message or moral that is still relevant today.
"I think every exposure you have to another culture is ... enlightening is
not quite the word that I want, but the more we know the better it is. And to
see how the expression that they have--the short explanation they have in the
beginning which is good. So yes, I think to be exposed to everything is very
good. We are a multicultural country and ... everybody should be
integrated."
Her favorite dances were "Dragon Springs Drummers," and
"the one in the very beginning where they were in the gold costumes and
their arms were just going with the cloth panels attached to their arms. That
was spectacular." "The Five Millenia Begin" is a tale of
Divine beings assembling in Heaven to prepare for their descent to earth, where
they will impart the very gift of culture.
Mayor Walsh said, "I brought a friend with me and we are both very
impressed tonight."
Category: Shen Yun Performing Arts