The performers accept audience adulation at the curtain call for the closing Houston show. (Dai Bing/The Epoch times)
By Madalina Hubert, Epoch Times
December 31, 2008
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The performers accept audience adulation at the curtain call for the closing Houston show. (Dai Bing/The Epoch times)
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In times of political and economic uncertainty, it is often to the arts that people turn in the search for hope and solace. With Divine Performing Arts (DPA) coming to the nation’s capital on January 2, Canadians will have the opportunity to forget their worries and immerse themselves a profound and uplifting show.
With its mission to present works embodying the “sublime beauty” of China’s traditional culture, the New York-based DPA has been praised for its ability to portray the essence of the 5,000-year culture as well as for its high calibre performances.
On December 19, DPA’s three dance companies and two live orchestras performed simultaneous shows in Atlanta, Philadelphia and Fort Lauderdale, beginning a world tour that will take them to 80 cities on four continents.
In Canada, Divine Performing Arts New York Company will present all-new performances in Ottawa, Kitchener/Waterloo, Toronto and Montreal in January, while returning to play venues in the west in April.
Acclaimed in the past by numerous Canadian artists, celebrities and politicians that included the likes of celebrated National Ballet soloist Vanessa Harwood, figure skater Elvis Stojko and former Secretary of Asia-Pacific David Kilgour, DPA has also received warm greetings from Prime Minister Stephen Harper.
In a letter this year, the PM commended the performance company for the “intricate costumes, brilliant choreography and outstanding musical compositions”.
Governor General Michaelle Jean and Jason Kenney, Minister of Citizenship, Immigration, and Multiculturalism also praised the beautiful performances and rich portrayal of Chinese culture, as well as the promotion of Canadian democratic and multicultural values.
Through vibrant and graceful Chinese classical dance, vocal performances by some of the most talented Chinese tenors and sopranos, stunning digital backdrops, and a live orchestra that seamlessly combines Eastern and Western instruments, DPA brings China’s ancient history to life.
DPA leaves no aspect of the performances to chance—from the colours of the costumes to the bearing of the dancers to the lyrics—everything is carefully studied and diligently rehearsed to capture the essence of China’s divinely inspired culture.
“It was like reading a story and each dance was like a chapter in that book,” said Mrs. Swier, who attended the show in San Diego. Mrs Swier was particularly captivated by the beauty and grace of the Chinese classical dances.
“I don't know how they do the steps as it has no bounce — it's like they are flowing on the floor, like there is water or they are gliding.”
But it was the message of truth and hope in the show that stood out to many audience members. The song lyrics in particular expressed this meaning.
“They make us realize how small we are here on earth and that the little things, the troubles we have are nothing compared to the greatness of the whole world,” said Mr. Friedman, a San Diego television executive.
Ottawa Jan. 2-4
Kitchener-Waterloo Jan. 6-7
Toronto Jan. 8-14
Montreal Jan.16-18
Vancouver Apr. 3-8
Calgary Apr. 12-13
Edmonton Apr. 15-16
For ticket information please visit DivinePerformingArts.org .
The Epoch Times is a proud sponsor of Divine Performing Arts.http://en.epochtimes.com/n2/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=9520