Last Tuesday's premiere of NTDTV's Global Chinese New Year Spectacular in Berlin was a foray into the different cultural expressions of the many different ethnic groups that are today part of China.
The diversity of dances was also reflected in the many different forms and colors that the costumes displayed. As for the dancers, their movements were effortless and playful. The dance troupe "Divine Performing Arts," which is based in New York, showed a high level of expertise. All the dancers expressed deep inner poise.
"I have not seen anything like this before," said Natasha von Born, a speech therapist, after the premiere, "The unbelievable variety of costumes and the perfection of the entire arrangement were most impressive."
Great dynamic energy, which was reflected in the eyes of the dancers, was presented in the "Mongolian Bowl Dance." The dancers, with bowls ever so carefully balanced on top of their heads, kept their heads upright at all times.
In the dance with the poetic title "Snowy Mountain, White Lotus," the dancers introduced a Tibetan rite. Traditionally, such pieces of cloth are given in Tibet as sign of high respect. Overlong sleeves are used to symbolize this tradition on stage through looping and spinning.
The music and choreography of the "Forsythia in Spring" piece is typical for Northeastern China. It is meant to express hope and renewal. The dancers portray forsythia flowers, known in Chinese "as the flower that welcomes spring," with colorful costumes, bright yellow pieces of cloth, and lively movements.
The Dai ethnic group from close to the border of Vietnam lives in harmony with nature. This is depicted in the dance forms and in the way they dress. The soft and springy movements look very natural and were taken from the movements of animals, such as fish and peacocks, that live there. The dancers show a kind of grace that is completely natural.
In contrast one sees the highly cultured elegance of the "Ladies of the Manchu Court." The Manchu is the last surviving Chinese dynasty. The ladies of the emperor's court move slowly and gracefully. The raised shoes, slow controlled movements, and virtuous demeanor demonstrated this.
"The colors were very impressive," said Christian Fronhoff, an entrepreneur from Duesseldorf, "but what I liked the most was that traditional Chinese values were demonstrated."
The Epoch Times is proud to join with New Tang Dynasty T.V. and Sound of Hope Radio in co-sponsoring NTDTV's Chinese New Year Spectacular . This article is one of a series meant to introduce this unique and important event.
The Epoch Times wishes its readers a Happy New Year in the Year of the Boar!
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