HUNTSVILLE, Ala.—Dr. Mary Ruth Yates, assistant superintendent of Huntsville schools, welcomed the Divine Performing Arts (DPA) 2009 World Tour debut on Feb. 6, at the Von Braun Center Concert Hall.
In her speech, she thanked the New York-based dance company for the “creativity provided” and a discovery and renewal of humanity’s true, rightful heritage portrayed in classical dance, music, song, and story-based drama.
“It was very wonderful. My husband Bob and I very much enjoyed everything,” Dr. Yates said. “I think the grace, perhaps if I had to use one word—in addition to the energy and the skill—would be the grace I’m totally blown away with. They made it look so effortless. And it was wonderful to see, it was almost like the sea.”
While it is in classical Chinese dance the DPA performers have their foundational training, the company’s performances include Chinese ethnic and folk dance, making for a unique vision of Chinese traditional culture that is both faithful and innovative.
“If I had one wish, I wish I could have brought all the students tonight and filled the auditorium because we’ve talked—as an English teacher many years ago—we talked about how the themes in literature show that all of us are ... basically human nature, humans are the same.”
DPA performances convey profound messages based on values that are derived from ancient Chinese traditions that would apply just as effectively in the modern world—to be truthful, compassionate, and forbearing.
“We saw you reach back and touch the past, it causes us lots of to hope for the possibilities of the future. So thank you so very much, and we’re too glad to be back this year.”
The Epoch Times is a proud sponsor of the Divine Performing Arts. Please see DivinePerformingArts.org for more informaton.
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