China has one of the longest and most glorious histories in the world, stretching over five thousand years. It is a rich history full of myths and legends, heroes and emperors, dynasties and traditions. Grand and moving stories have unfolded over the years as the culture waxed and waned.
With foundations in Buddhism, Taoism and Confucianism, ancient Chinese culture embraced virtue, advocated morals, and gave respect to gods. The traditional Chinese science studied the human body, life, and the universe with people living in harmony with Heaven and Earth.
Messages of human dignity, compassion and righteousness were traditional Chinese values which created a majestic and prosperous semi-divine culture; a culture in which the Divine Performing Arts dancing troupe is helping the world to rediscover.
Ms Vina Lee, a lead dancer and choreographer for Divine Performing Arts told The Epoch Times during the group's recent visit to Auckland that it was a beautiful learning experience to be a part of the group.
"Arts are very important to pass on good messages and good principles. The ancient Chinese culture definitely has a lot of good principles which should be shared with the entire world," said Ms Lee.
She believes the show is not only valuable for people around the world to learn more about traditional Chinese culture, but also for the Chinese people themselves to rediscover their roots after much of the essence of Chinese culture has been lost in recent years.
"Ancient Chinese believed in Buddhism and Taoism, and had respect for higher beings. But since communism came in, especially after the cultural revolution, any (spiritual) belief has been smashed," said Ms Lee.
"That's why people in China no longer believe there is a past and future life, or reincarnation. Of course, this can lead to bad things such as people thinking 'this is my only lifetime so I'm really going to enjoy myself. I don't care what I have done'", she said.
"Traditional Chinese culture believes that if you have a good life this time, it must be that your ancestors or you did something really good and that's why you have a good life, and so people will be very careful with their behaviour. It's a discipline to respect others and not harm others, and this sits in the culture. But now, after the cultural revolution, people don't think that way, and don't believe it."
Elly Shu, who is also a lead dancer and choreographer for the group, stated that the essence of traditional cultures are divinely inspired.
"In the past, every dynasty's people respected Tao's and Buddha's," said Ms Shu.
"However, since the communists began controlling the country, they were totally upset with those spiritual beliefs. They want people to believe in (only) communism. But communism does not use compassion to control the country and they don't care about the people. The people have suffered too much by the communist party," she said.
"Even now, as the communist party tries so hard to control people, they are losing the people's support. They all know communism is not good."
The way the Divine Performing Arts group is helping to rediscover the essence of Chinese culture has proved very popular with audiences, with people all over the world commending them for their efforts.
After viewing the show in Auckland, former MP Bernie Ogilvy said that in addition to the sights and sounds, he appreciated the meanings behind the performances.
"It had a good serious part to it, as well as great entertainment. It was a spectacle really, a visual spectacle," said Mr Ogilvy.
"I think the entertainment is one thing, but the values and messages are important. Going back to what is the origins of things is fabulous," he said.
Mr Phillip Crown, a respected Maori elder from the Waitomo district was most happy he had the opportunity to attend.
"Quite stunning. Wonderful choreography and quite easy to follow the storylines. A very good experience!" said Mr Crown.
"It was lovely to see that some of the Chinese people are still carrying on with those ancient stories. A wonderful performance. My son was saying it's quite heavenly," he said.
Feeds