NEW YORK—Jessica Palmer of Somerset, N.J., was very excited because her class was planning to see Chinese New Year Splendor at Radio City Music Hall last Thursday.
But after a negative review of the show appeared in The New York Times, the outing was canceled.
However, Jessica's mother, Susanne English, saved the day by taking the whole family to see Splendor last Friday evening.
"I don't understand why the school canceled the trip just because of that article. When I saw it, I did research. I found that it was all from one source—you cannot rely on just one source," said Jessica.
English said that after watching a video promotion of Splendor at Costco, Jessica really wanted to see the show. "When the trip was canceled, she was devastated."
"I think it is important for everybody to not be misled when they read articles like that in The New York Times," said Jessica.
"I do not think the New York Times article is based on the facts," said her brother Andrew.
English said she thought the Times review was unfair because Splendor was "completely different" from how the review portrayed it.
"I was very disappointed with the review. I felt it was horrible. It said that the performance is offensive. It's extremely misleading. I do not understand where their point of view came from. They emphasized the performance is violent. Violent? From the performance, all I can think is truth, compassion, and forbearance."
Jessica was also thrilled with the show.
"It was so beautiful, so good. I really enjoyed it. From it, we got to know Chinese more than just Chinese food and fireworks."
Andrew agreed. "Actually it is really good. I can learn so much from it. I did not know there was a lady who went to the moon," he said, referring to the act "Lady of the Moon."
Their younger sister Annabella was equally impressed. "It is a very good show. I was very happy to see it. It is unbelievably good."
English said her favorite performer was the main lead female dancer. "It was incredible. Her movement was so quiet, so amazing, so beautiful. And all the performers were so gentle and their movements were well controlled. That's something we have never seen before."
English added that she was "so happy" that Jessica was able to see Splendor even though her class canceled the outing.
"It is good for every person. It is good for children, elderly people, everyone."
The Divine Performing Arts international touring companies land next in Germany and Japan. For information on all upcoming shows, please visit: www.DivinePerformingArts.org.
The Epoch Times is a proud sponsor of the Chinese New Year Splendor.
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