(Clearwisdom.net) Divine Performing Arts had their opening night on February 10, 2009 at the Kennedy Center Opera House. This presentation was a private, invite-only show, given in honor and appreciation to U.S. veterans to thank them for their service and sacrifice. Among the audience was a prominent fashion designer, founder, and CEO of his own company, Mr. Black.
Mr. Black, a prominent fashion designer
Mr. Black was introduced to the world of fashion at an early age by his mother, who started him as a child model. Today his company is involved in all aspects of the fashion industry.
When told that the costumes were all original and handmade, Mr. Black explained how much labor must have been involved and stated: "The costumes were wonderful. I would love to contribute to them next time! Each garment has to be designed, and it probably takes between five and 10 hours for each piece. So, it really takes a lot to go into each design ... It was nice, it was very nice," he said.
Mr. Black continued to describe the costumes, saying: "it's so vivid, the way that they've designed the garments for tonight, they definitely left an impression where you just have to see it in person. There's no way to describe it without actually seeing it." He was taken in with the vivid colors that he described as "loud and sparkling. I would definitely come and see something like this again," he said.
Fashion wasn't the only aspect of the performance that Mr. Black liked. His favorite performance was the Monkey King. He was referring to an adaptation of a scene from the 16th century novel Journey to the West. The story is about a devout Buddhist monk, who travels to India to bring the holy scriptures back to China and he is beset with numerous obstacles in his path. In the show, a demon transformed into a temptress brings on much havoc and threatens the completion of the journey. Protecting the monk are an ogre, a pig, and especially the Monkey King who possesses magical abilities and supreme martial arts skills.
Ms. Bellafiore, who works for an influential banking company, experienced classical Chinese dance for the first time this evening and stated, "I grew up with Russian ballet, so this is completely different. I really enjoyed the high tech decorations. I thought it was wonderful." She also enjoyed the groundbreaking feature of the backdrops during the performance and stated, "It's beautiful, when combined with the athleticism of the dancers."
Ms. Bellafiore works for an influential banking company
Because Ms. Bellafiore has been around ballet for years, she was captivated by the differences in dancing techniques and colors used by DPA. "This one, I would say is definitely more athletic. And those colors are not found in regular ballet. Very bright, all of the colors, and when combined with the decorations... it just brings a new whole new world. Very exciting!"
Ms. Bellafiore was excited about seeing a unfamiliar, classic dancing system performed at the professional level. "You know what I liked about it? That it was made out of small different pieces and compiled beautifully together, all of it together was great. Not a whole story [across the show], but rather lot's of small stories built in together." said Ms. Bellafiore. She also commented that she enjoyed the entire performance and that she will be back for future shows.
Among the audience was also Mr. Sarbis, a Washington, D.C. entrepreneur and lawyer who enjoyed the world-class show. "It was very colorful and the dancing was very beautiful. The solo singers were very good. "I would describe it [the show] as very artistic and also spiritual," Mr. Sarvis said.
Mr. Sarbis, a Washington, D.C. entrepreneur and lawyer
The message conveyed by the show elicited a good feeling in Mr. Sarbis, who said "It was a very positive message" and "it is very artistic."
The DPA performers are trained in Chinese classical dance and, according to the DPA web site, "these dances 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."
Mr. Dent, an investor, said that he was also impressed by the show. "I loved the costumes. I've never seen such vividness--the colors. I liked the dancing and I liked the message," Mr. Dent said.
"I would say it [the show] was fabulous--obviously historical Chinese performance, unbelievable set design and colors," he said.
Whether its different Chinese ethnic dances like, The Dance of the Yi, or the Tibetan dance titled, The Snow Capped Mountain, or other classical Chinese cultural legends such as, The Monkey King, and Mulan, the audience is provided a window into China's divinely inspired culture.
Source: http://theepochtimes.com/n2/content/view/11797/
http://theepochtimes.com/n2/content/view/11804/
http://theepochtimes.com/n2/content/view/11796/
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Category: Shen Yun Performing Arts
