(Clearwisdom.net) Divine Performing Arts was welcomed with standing ovations when it played to enthusiastic audiences in the Jahrhunderthalle (Century Hall). Christiane Ikenberg, a former ballet dancer, saw the show on Sunday afternoon, February 23. For many years she performed at opera houses in Germany. Ms. Ikenberg was visibly enthusiastic about the show. She talked about her impressions from a professional standpoint.

"This was the first time that I have ever seen anything like [this show]. It was unusual, but it was very, very beautiful. Above all, I was interested in the dancers. But I was also interested in the culture that was reflected in the dances. Highly interesting! I used to be a ballet dancer myself. It was unbelievable, out of this world! Those magical, almost ethereal beings! I felt that they were somewhere above the clouds. It was very, very beautiful.

"The choreography, the people on-stage, the artists--they transported me, and it was fantastic--mostly because everything was perfect. The men were outstanding. The men were, of course, more powerful and expressive. I really liked it. Outstanding!"

Reflecting on the performances that touched upon the on-going persecution of Falun Gong practitioners in China, Ms. Ikenberg said, "I think that the more we see of China, the more change will come. It is necessary to approach people and talk about it. We shouldn't simply say, 'No, I don't understand.' Why not talk about it? I think that it's their history. It is fine to reflect this on stage. Why not?"

She shared that the DPA's unique blend of classical Western and Chinese instruments was a pleasant surprise. "I had imagined [the music would be] something different, and this is why my friend came along. Whatever music we've heard previously, on MTV or wherever, it seemed somewhat shrill for European ears. But I have to say, this music was very melodious, just wonderful. Something different! It was nice to just let it wash over me."

Ms. Leitschuh, a painter from Darmstadt, Germany, said the colorful promotional materials advertising DPA were what initially drew her to the show. As an artist, it was the colors in the show that really moved her. "It was absolutely wonderful! The balance of the movement, tone, and colors was very impressive!" She said that she felt the show would inspire her artistically. "When I paint, I paint intuitively whatever comes from my heart. The impressions from what I've seen here today will integrate into my psyche. When my heart opens, these impressions will come out."

She went on to add that the show's music was also a special experience for her, most particularly the erhu performance, "Hope." "For my European ears, it made a very deep impression. It was unique!"

Ms. Leitschuh said that her favorite performance was "Heaven Awaits Us Despite Persecution." "This is about a family. The father was persecuted. He was saved by a higher power that accompanies him on his way to heaven. That impression is very vivid! There are many more parts in different scenes that made a deep impression on me. The entire show was so rich and diverse!"

Ms. Grimme, an actress, was quite pleased to have seen the DPA show. "I thought it was incredibly beautiful! I especially enjoyed the dance with the chopsticks ["Mongolian Chopsticks"] and the long sleeves ["Flowing Sleeves"]. It says what I am feeling. The long sleeves embody China for me. When they were waving the banners, I thought it was incredibly beautiful!"

Former theater actress Ms. Helga Grimme (The Epoch Times)

Commenting on the dancers, she said, "They seemed to float! I liked the way the artists walked-- especially the girls. They walked in a special way where their torsos didn't move. I liked this step, I thought it was enchanting. I also liked the dance with the fans, 'Welcoming Spring.' They looked like lotus flowers!"

Reflecting on the performances that depicted the persecution of Falun Gong in China, Ms. Grimme said, "The pieces that portrayed our times were especially important! They touched me, because I'm against violence. I think all kinds of persecution are terrible!"

When asked to identify what the show meant to her, Ms. Grimme said, "Harmony. I'm thinking of harmony. I like harmony. It was all graceful and beautiful. It touched my heart!"