The winter season wouldn't be the same in New York without shows bursting with a festive spirit. Appearing at the Beacon Theater until December 24, 'Holiday Wonders' carries that tradition to the next level with amazing dance and narrative performances. The show graces the audience with a lovely introduction to traditional Chinese culture as well as Western classical offerings.
Dancers bring to life traditional dances of Mongolia and Tibet most delightfully. In "Snowy Mountain, White Lotus," the Lotus Performing Arts Troupe uses the traditional long Tibetan sleeves of their costumes to graceful effect. The sleeves are used as "khatagh," cloth which is given as a sign of respect.
The audience especially appreciated the Mongolian Bowl Dance performed by the Fei Tian Dance School and Lotus Performing Arts Troupe. Dancers balanced bowls—actually more than one—on their head while moving gracefully in and around each other.
"A Dunhuang Dream" gives us entry to the wondrous world of the western China's Dunhuang Caves where a sculptor runs out of inspiration and takes a nap. Then the real party begins with statues coming to life both on the stage and on the projected screen background. You have to see it to believe it.
One of the most famous figures in Chinese history, and one which almost every Chinese knows, is the great general Yue Fei. We in theWest can now come to understand this great 12th Century Chinese leader. Principal dancer and choreographer Xuejun Wang shows his range and depth in telling this story of a military genius who considered filial piety before going to war. With stirring music by Junyi Tan, the dance presents the virtue of loyalty in true Chinese fashion. You may regard tattoos differently after experiencing this wonderful story in dance.
The Tian Yin Orchestra, conducted by Maestro Chen Rutang, played original compositions that glowed with intensity and grandly supported the action on stage.
The show has become popular with students who are attending matinees during the show's run. Make this the year to try something different for your holiday outing and go see NTDTV's "Holiday Wonders."
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