(Clearwisdom.net) A professional dance magazine: Explore Dance
published an article by Jennifer Wesnousky on February 16, 2007. It said that
China's Tang Dynasty between 618 and 906 A.D., explains the program for the NEW
TANG DYNASTY TELEVISION'S CHINESE NEW YEAR SPECTACULAR, "is often called
the highest point in Chinese history. Morality and education were highly valued
and society was in harmony with nature." Formed and named for this period
by Chinese people living in the United States, the goal of New Tang Dynasty
Television is to utilize American free speech to educate other Chinese people
about world affairs in an environment free of the historic Chinese government
restrictions. Its CHINESE NEW YEAR SPECTACULAR, performed at Radio City Music
Hall between February 14 and 17, 2007, paid additional tribute to the prosperous
period, showcasing a m¨¦lange of traditional Chinese song and dance to the
educational delight of folks from every ethnicity.
"The SPECTACULAR was a spectacle from its very first moment. The curtains
opened to a smoke-filled stage across which the scurrying dancers, dressed as
angels, appeared to float. A screen in back of the swarm of performers projected
what appeared to be genuine Chinese landscapes, which changed from scene to
scene. Following the first piece and throughout the performance, a charming
Chinese narrator and her male, American counterpart shed some bilingual light
regarding many of the production's depictions.
"Representing different historical periods and traditions, the SPECTACULAR
presented an array of diverse and delightful dances. The young performers in
'Rainbows' burst in carrying mystery props that appeared like bouquets of
flowers, releasing them to reveal beautiful, brightly colored garlands similar
to those used in rhythmic gymnastics. With tiny steps and little body movement,
the number's focus was on musically moving the ribbons midair, sometimes
creating creative shapes in the midst of spins or leaps. 'Dai Ethnic Dance'
featured tiny, beautiful young females whose slow motion, sensual movement and
shimmying shoulders in front of a projection of a river and palm trees evoked a
comparison with the Hawaiian hula. Another standout dance piece featured a
barrage of male dancers in fur-lined headpieces, made to represent herders on
the Mongolian plains. Their masculine dance was filled with flowing arms, jerky
shoulder movements and Russian-esque toe-touches, cartwheels and airborne barrel
turns.
"Many of the SPECTACULAR's dance numbers included eye-pleasing formations,
flowing arms, small, scampering steps and serene, seemingly divinely inspired
faces. The use of props additionally characterized several of the compositions.
In addition to the 'Rainbows' ribbons, the companies incorporated bright orange,
parasol-shaped cloths twirling rapidly on their fingertips, flower-shaped
candleholders held precariously like trays atop the dancers' hands and, in
'Victory Drums,' a plethora of drums and drumsticks meant, according to Chinese
folklore to 'ward off evil' as well as 'bring in a happy and bright New Year.'
"The show also incorporated a live orchestra as well as an assortment of
vocal talent including piano-accompanied sopranos, a tenor and a contralto who
displayed her incredible vocal range. While all of the performance's vocal
numbers were sung in their native dialects, their projected transcriptions and
English subtitles across the performance backdrop revealed their themes, dealing
often with historical movements and their devoted disciples.
"Whether outfitting the singers or dancers, each and every SPECTACULAR
costume was just that, incorporating a brightly colored, beautiful range of
fabrics as well as intricate headpieces. Silks and chiffons abounded on outfits
including dresses, skirts, pants and robes with sashes with extreme attention to
detail on accessories from jeweled tiaras to flowers, bows and even butterflies.
"For an hour and a half on February 16, 2007, various aspects of Chinese
culture became accessible to such diverse audience members as Chinese and other
Americans, including teachers and school children from a multitude of
backgrounds who may otherwise never have been exposed. Through the meticulous
portrayal of Chinese song, dance and instrumentation by a team of over
two-hundred talented performers, the NEW TANG DYNASTY TELEVISION's CHINESE NEW
YEAR SPECTACULAR left its audience with the tranquil sensation of having
witnessed something both enlightening and resplendent."
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