January 23, 2009

(Clearwisdom.net) WESTCHESTER, NY--Harrison Mayor Joan Walsh gave the Divine Performing Arts Chinese New Year Splendor a resounding vote of approval on Friday night, Jan. 24.

"I just think it's wonderful. The action is great. And the backgrounds are fabulous. It's very fascinating," she said.

The show was held in The Performing Arts Center, Purchase College, in Harrison. It was the first time a Chinese cultural show had performed in the complex, and Ms. Walsh was impressed. "Very enjoyable, and I'm impressed with how many in the audience, the house is just about full--very good."

The grace and athleticism of the performers stood out for Ms. Walsh. When talking about the difference between the Chinese performing arts and Western performers she said, "The music is different and that's what comes forth, but you really don't hear it as much as [see] the grace of the performers... It's very enjoyable."

Divine Performing Arts (DPA) seeks to breathe new life into traditional Chinese culture, often through story-based dance, one of Divine Performing Arts' trademarks. 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.

"I think every exposure you have to another culture is ... enlightening is not quite the word that I want, but the more we know the better it is. And to see how the expression that they have--the short explanation they have in the beginning which is good. So yes, I think to be exposed to everything is very good. We are a multicultural country and ... everybody should be integrated."

Her favorite dances were "Dragon Springs Drummers," and "the one in the very beginning where they were in the gold costumes and their arms were just going with the cloth panels attached to their arms. That was spectacular." "The Five Millenia Begin" is a tale of Divine beings assembling in Heaven to prepare for their descent to earth, where they will impart the very gift of culture.

Mayor Walsh said, "I brought a friend with me and we are both very impressed tonight."