(Clearwisdom.net) Divine Performing Arts (DPA) continued to be very warmly received by Danish audiences, as it played for the second evening at the Aarhus Musikhuset. Throughout the performance, the audience spontaneously burst into applause and gave the show long standing ovations. As the final curtain closed, enthusiastic theatergoers shared their impressions.
Mr. Marc Perera Christensen is running for Mayor of Aarhus
Mr. Marc Perera Christensen, who is running for Mayor of Aarhus, was among those in the audience. He shared his impression of the blend of classical Chinese and Western instruments that creates DPA's unique sound. "It's not too foreign to Western ears, but it still retains the right feeling for Chinese history and the Chinese way of composing. It makes for a very nice balance and a very good way to communicate Chinese history to a Western audience."
"Amazing. It's quite fascinating, the strength and skills of the artists," Mr. Christensen admiringly said of the dancers.
He felt drawn to the bravery displayed by the artist's rendition of the plight of Falun Gong practitioners in China. "And of course, 'Heaven Awaits Us Despite Persecution'. It was one of the main reasons I put a greeting in the show's program," said Mr. Christensen.
He is well-versed in the ongoing persecution of Falun Gong in China and said, "This subject should not be taken lightly by Westerners. They should take it very seriously indeed."
Mr. Christensen is involved in human rights issues and has made inquiries regarding the conditions inside Aarhus's Chinese "sister city" Harbin, especially concerning the persecution of Falun Gong practitioners.
"We have been contacted by individuals who say that there is a widespread persecution of Falun Gong practitioners happening in Harbin and even large-scale organ theft," he said sadly.
This situation has prompted Mr. Christensen to ask many questions of the foreign minister as well as the present mayor of Aarhus. He recently suggested a policy to educate all visitors going to or from Harbin, about the civil rights situation, the persecution of minorities, the conditions of students, and the situation in general in Harbin.
Wonderful To See Traditional Culture
Ms. Lottie Joyce, a psychologist, and Mr. Staffen Zacher, an engineering and multimedia graphic artist from Arhus, attended DPA show. "I think it was fantastic! The choreography was just wonderful, and all the dances and movements were fantastic! I was very impressed by the dances. The timing was also perfect and so elegant at the same time," enthused Ms. Joyce.
Ms. Lottie Joyce, a psychologist, and Mr. Staffen Zacher, an engineering and multimedia graphic artist from Arhus
Mr. Zacher agreed, "I think it was an amazing and a very colorful performance--the images [backdrops] they were showing were very beautiful, you could see how the flowers were blossoming--it was very well performed and very beautiful".
Mr. Zacher said, "I like Taichi, qigong, and martial arts, which I practiced when I was young. It is good to connect Chinese daily life with the [traditional] culture. I also think this is not what you can see inside China today. What [DPA] is performing is outside of China, and that is very sad."
Reflecting on the moral aspects presented through many of the performances, Mr. Zacher added, "If they were using the way of living in China that they are showing in the performances, they would be much more balanced."
"I think this show tonight exhibits some of the very old traditions in the Chinese culture. I think the way everything is connected, I think this part is still living in China, in people's minds. But it is hidden. Not allowed to be expressed. This is my impression," said Ms. Joyce.
Mr. Zacher said, "When you look at this show, you see so many beautiful things coming from the [traditional] Chinese culture that has been hidden and repressed so much for the last 60 to 70 years. It is so wonderful to be able see it here [outside China]. You cannot see these performances in China."
Three Generations Amazed By DPA
Joining the enthusiastic audience was a family of three generations that enjoyed the unmatched skills of the DPA artists. Dr. Helle, her mother Lydia, and daughter Louisa, all expressed amazement for the skills of the dancers and in their first experience seeing classical Chinese dance.
A family of three generations: Dr. Helle, her mother Lydia, and daughter Louisa
They had learned about the show through a flyer brought home by Louisa from her dancing school and another flyer picked up by her mother.
"The show is great; the dancers and costumes are fantastic," said Dr. Helle.
Louisa, a dance student, said, "They are really something else. It is a completely different way of dancing compared to the West."
With her background in dance, Louisa's is acutely aware of the high caliber of DPA dancers, "They use a lot of technique and do all these amazing things. The jumps are amazing. They are so high and the legs are so flexible. They are absolutely amazing!" she exclaimed.
"It is the energy of the dance," agreed Dr. Helle.
Source: http://theepochtimes.com/n2/content/view/13471/ http://theepochtimes.com/n2/content/view/13462/ http://theepochtimes.com/n2/content/view/13477/
Category: Shen Yun Performing Arts