NEW YORK—Ms. Haynes, a professional dance teacher from a theatrical workshop based in New York, came to see the Chinese New Year Splendor with her husband on the evening of Jan. 3.
The Splendor, a production of the Divine Performing Arts (DPA) Touring Company, arrived at New York’s historical Brooklyn Academy of Music on Saturday Jan. 3.
Ms. Haynes said she could barely contain her excitement. “When the curtains went up there was light in the whole auditorium,” she exclaimed. “I was so excited, I told myself to bring all of my friends next time.”
Traditional Chinese culture is new to Ms. Haynes, a disciple of Western dance techniques. “The cultural aspect of the show is giving me new information and knowledge,” she said.
“The movements of the dances were different [than Western styles],” she shared. “The dancers all looked like they are light on their feet.”
“When I watch dances I try to see the meaning and the message behind the dances,” Ms. Haynes said. “Each segment of this performance had a meaning.”
She even felt deeper spiritual meaning behind the songs.
“I asked somebody about the ‘Falun’ wheel after the show and what it meant, and I found out there is a spiritual aspect of it. I think it’s really great,” she said, adding that the translated subtitles were helpful in understanding the meanings behind the lyrics.
“The lyrics of the songs were giving hope to people’s trials and tribulations.”
“The dancing was great, and the songs and the outfits were all fantastic,” she said.
“I just appreciate the rich tapestry of the Chinese culture and the different stories from different regions that were presented,” Ms. Goldstein said. “For somebody who knows really little about Chinese culture, it made it very interesting to me.”
“We certainly enjoyed it,” she concluded.
Please see DivinePerformingArts.org for more information.
