TAICHUNG, Taiwan—University professors and school principals in Taiwan are responding to a directive to improve morality in schools, initiated by Taiwan’s Ministry of Education. The education community are recommending teachers watch the Divine Performing Arts (DPA) show for inspiration into moral education.
DPA Divine Performing Arts (DPA), which is based in New York, is a nonprofit organization consisting of world-class dancers, choreographers, and musicians that is independent of China’s communist regime. It aims to revive the ancient culture and traditions of China’s 5,000-year-old civilization that were suppressed or eliminated during the Cultural Revolution.
Shortly before the DPA’s third tour to Taiwan, Mr. Wu, a principal of a Junior High School in Yunlin County, organized hundreds of dignitaries from the educational field in Taiwan to commend DPA. School principals gathered at Culture Center Square on Jan. 11, 2009, to recognize the DPA for reviving the glory and magnificence of the Chinese culture.
Having watched the DPA performance for two consecutive years, Principal Wu was inspired. “The performance has transcended art. It has elevated education to the level of morality and character,” he said. “The energy field of the DPA is a field of moral education. It has surpassed today’s traditional education.” He quoted another school principal who described the DPA as “the king’s way of arts. It has reached the zenith of art.”
DPA uses Chinese classical dance and story-telling to give dramatic portrayal to the cherished stories of yesterday and today. Their figures embody the most exalted virtues of Chinese civilization, and convey a message or moral that is still relevant today. Many have inspired people for generations, such as the tales of heroine Mulan and general Yue Fei. Others quietly lead lives of great courage today that are sure to move and inspire.
Professor Chang from the a National Teachers Education College said, “DPA uses performing arts to help people understand. It does not require language as a medium.” She called DPA “the ambassador of beauty.” “People get to know Chinese culture through performing arts. It is such a friendly performance that touches the common people. It is more direct than books.”
The education leaders also urged academic institutions in Yunlin County, Taichung County, Taichung City, Nantou County and Zhanghua County to give their teachers holidays to watch the DPA as part of an extended education.
Mr. Yan, former principal of a National University, has watched the DPA show twice. At Sunday’s press conference, Mr. Yan said, “DPA’s performance is different from ordinary performances. It uses the form of performing arts to present the essence of the Chinese culture. In its second tour to Taiwan, the DPA presented an even more delicate and profound performance. Before DPA graces Taiwan for the third time, I would like to urge residents of Taichung to grasp the opportunity to enrich their spiritual life by watching the DPA performance.”
Founded in the U.S., the Divine Performing Arts Company debuted at Beacon Theatre on Broadway in New York City and presented 10 shows, creating a record for a Chinese performing arts group performing in New York. During the Chinese New Year of 2008, DPA presented 15 shows in New York’s Radio City Music Hall, creating another record for a Chinese performing arts group.
In 2008, Divine Performing Arts attracted 60,000 audience members. In its 2009 tour in Taiwan, DPA will present 37 shows from Feb. 20 to March 22 in Tainan, Taipei, Taichung, Chiayi, Kaoshung, and Sinchu.
The Epoch Times is a proud sponsor of the Divine Performing Arts International Tour.
For more information, please see divineperformingarts.org
Original article in Chinese
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