Feb 21, 2009

ROCHESTER, N.Y.--New York State Senator Joseph Robach was among the esteemed guests of the Divine Performing Arts at the Rochester Auditorium Theater on Saturday.

"That was great. Certainly all the elements of song, dance, pageantry, beautiful costumes ... it was great. I enjoyed it a lot," he said.

Divine Performing Arts earned standing ovations at each of its two shows in Rochester. This is the first year the dance company performed in the city.

Senator Robach has served as an Assemblyman for 11 years and among his duties he is the Chairperson of the Labor Committee. He is a graduate of Aquinas Institute and the State University of New York College at Brockport, where he received his Bachelor of Science and Master of Public Administration degrees.

A drummer himself, Senator Robach said he particularly appreciated the drums in show.

"I really like that part of the show," he said. When asked if there was one dance he enjoyed in particular, he singled out Drummers of the Tang Court, which celebrates the thunderous Tang drum, born during the most prosperous and celebrated period of Chinese civilization, the great Tang Dynasty. During Tang, drums would sometimes accompany soldiers into battle, relaying commands, boosting morale, and evincing power.

"The fan presentation -- very impressive -- beautiful colors. Really really nice," he added, referring to the dance called Welcoming Spring.

Welcoming Spring is a vibrant fan dance that personifies China's folk dance tradition, and features quick footwork, crisp movements, and stunning bursts of color.

The senator also remarked that many of the performers were in several of the acts and dances.

"So much to memorize, but such a great presentation. To mix music into history, it's almost like a series of mini plays. Beautiful colors, great performance, great song, great dance," he summarized, adding that he and his wife had thoroughly enjoyed it.

Source http://www.theepochtimes.com/n2/content/view/12450/