Audience Member: Divine Performing Arts Performance Rich in History

WASHINGTON—Divine Performing Arts classical Chinese dance tour began its Washington run this week at the Kennedy Center Opera House. Classical Chinese dance is an art-form like no other with strong expressive qualities and a diversity of techniques. The Opera House was nearly packed.

Mr. and Mrs. Molovinsky, who attended Wednesday’s performance, appreciated the historical perspective the programs presented. “It was very nice to get an understanding of what the history was, so that made it a lot more entertaining, and a more full experience,” said Mr. Molovinksy, who is the area general manager of a restaurant in Washington D.C.

Story-based dance is one of DPA’s trademarks. These dances give dramatic portrayal to cherished stories of yesterday and today. These historical figures embody the most exalted virtues of Chinese civilization, and convey a message or moral that is still relevant today. These lives and the legends springing from them have inspired people for generations, such as the tales of heroine Mulan and general Yue Fei.

Mrs. Molovinsky also commented on the cultural richness of the performance: “The costumes were amazing, the performers were terrific, I’ve never seen any moves like that before with so much history behind it.”

According to DPA’s website, the unique art of Chinese dance that we know today is the product of generations of experienced dancers refining, reorganizing, and reworking of the art form.

Mrs. Molovinsky also appreciated the elegance of the dancers, “They were graceful and elegant, and very flexible.”

She particularly enjoyed the program The Mystical Phoenix. This dance performed by women dancers celebrates the elegance and beauty of this queen of the birds.

Mr. Molovinsky especially enjoyed the musical performances, and especially mentioned the erhu and the singers, adding that he appreciated seeing a translation of what they were singing.

The two-stringed Chinese instrument, erhu, has an expressive power that often surprises audiences. It stirs the soul as few instruments can.

Overall, “We loved it, it was wonderful,” said Mrs. Molovinsky.

  For more information, please see DivinePerformingArts.org