OTTAWA—Ms. Jacquart, a lawyer, brought her two sons to the final performance of the Divine Performing Arts show at the National Arts Centre in Ottawa because she wanted to introduce them to Chinese artistic culture.
“It was a nice opportunity for them to see little bit of that culture. It's a very magnificent show. It's peaceful and has a nice message,” said Ms. Jacquart.
“I love Chinese culture and I've been interested in Chinese culture for a long time. It's a fascinating culture. It's the first time I have seen the show and it's a magnificent show. I can't say more, I mean it's one of the most beautiful shows I have seen in my life.”
DPA is a New York-based performing arts company founded by leading Chinese dancers, choreographers, and musicians who present Chinese classical dance and music to audiences throughout the world.
“The original choreography was absolutely gorgeous and beautiful, as was the real Chinese traditional classical music and dance. For me the most beautiful part was the dance and the choreography. I have no words to describe it. I was very moved by it. The culture is so rich, it’s a beautiful window on ancient and present China,” said Ms. Jacquart.
Ottawa expressionist artist Mr. Galbraith also attended the Sunday performance and complimented it with an artist's eye.
“I like it very much, I am very partial to the colours. It’s a very vibrant scene, and I like the dancing very much. You are getting a glimpse of the culture …”
Mr. Galbraith was formerly a tenor and sang opera.
His wife said, “The colours of the costumes are magnificent. I’m impressed with the precision of the dances and the spirit and the youthfulness of the dancers. Beautiful dance.”
“I come from a family of artists, visual artists, and I’m into colour and music as well,” she added.
“It’s not just entertainment, said Mrs. Galbraith. “I’m very interested that the culture. This culture is not allowed in China.”
Since the Cultural Revolution, the Chinese regime has spent decades attacking and suppressing traditional Chinese culture. In the last several years, DPA has been striving to revive that culture.
“It tremendously important to keep it alive like this. It is very important that it won’t get lost and just passed over eventually. I think it’s good that they keep it alive.”
Mr. Galbraith said that his favourite piece was “The Monkey King Triumphs,” a dance based on a story from the popular Chinese tale “Journey to the West.”
The Divine Performing Arts 2009 World Tour filled the National Arts Centre in Ottawa for four shows and earned standing ovations at every performance. The show will now continue on to Waterloo for two performances on January 6 and 7 before moving on to Toronto for four shows from January 8 to 14.
The Epoch Times is a proud sponsor of the Divine Performing Arts 2009 World Tour.
For more information visit divineperformingarts.org