(Clearwisdom.net) The Chinese New Year Spectacular was accompanied by a live orchestra when the Divine Performing Arts (DPA) took the stage on January 24 at the State Theatre in New Brunswick, New Jersey. DPA seeks to foster cultural renewal by presenting traditional Chinese culture through song, dance, costumes, story telling, and a focus on influences from specific dynasties and regions in China. The New Year Spectacular allows audience members to celebrate the beauty of true traditional Chinese culture.

Audience members from a variety of backgrounds were in attendance. Artists, in particular, seem to be drawn to the show. One such artist, Marie Painter, is a retired dancer. Marie and her husband, Bill, came to the show together and were glad to share their impressions. Marie, who is Hungarian, grew up with folk music, singing, dance, and colorful costumes. She was initially a folk dancer and then danced professionally for about ten years in the early part of her life. She is retired now but continues to dance.

Marie and Bill Painter

Commenting on the show, Marie thoughtfully and enthusiastically said, "Fantastic! That's all I can say. It was much more than we imagined it would be. The performances were stunning! The costumes were unbelievable! Breathtaking! The setting--the backdrop/the natural scenery--the Spring, the mountains, and the flowers. It was very, very lovely altogether!" When asked if there was a specific program that she liked, Marie replied, "The performances were done to perfection!! The performers' expressions were spirited, so focused, and so graceful! The costumes along with it, the music, and the movement were so harmonious... It's very special because we don't [generally] see this. It's not the kind of performances we see in America. It is very refined, but exciting and gorgeous. Absolutely gorgeous to the eye! A feast for the senses! The music, the scenery--it's the sound and the movements all together. So much energy! And so much joy in it!"

The couple were interested in talking about the show. Marie was asked what message she thought the show was trying to convey, and she said, "That beauty is there for everyone to enjoy! This is the most beautiful show that I have seen in a long time." She talked about shows in Hawaii that she experienced as spiritual. Then she said, "And it [this show] is spiritual as well. It has the absolute best possible message. The history behind it--the five-thousand-year-old history of China, the Chinese traditions, and the gorgeous costumes that no longer really exist. We had the good fortune to see these on young people tonight. I think this represents a new beginning. It appears that the culture has flip-flopped, that we need a new start--a fresh spirit, a fresh mind, seeing the truth. This was the message throughout [the show]. Very rich! And I'm very happy that we came."

Bill, who is a retired insurance claims adjuster, waited patiently to give his impressions. He said, "I really enjoyed this program! It was very interesting. You asked what we got out of it. I got a lot out of the Chinese proverbs that came across in quite a few of the [segments]. And it is amazing how many of them are similar to the teachings we have in America. Of course, not everybody observes them. And I think that's what they're trying to get across here-- that you not only have to know about these proverbs, but you have to observe them! Hopefully, that will come in the future."