CHARLOTTE, NC—The Chinese culture show "Holiday Wonders" finished its two-day run in Charlotte, NC on Dec. 20, leaving audiences thoroughly entertained and impressed. The show debuted successfully at Ovens Auditorium in Charlotte on Dec. 19 despite the Chinese embassy's objection.
The variety-format Chinese culture show dazzled the audiences with exquisite dance programs featuring performers in elaborate and historically accurate costumes from various dynastic periods of ancient China. There was something for all tastes, from the dynamic Tang drummers, to the graceful Qing Dynasty fan dancers, to the solo numbers featuring singers with powerful, reverberating voices.
World-Class Performance
New York-based Divine Performing Arts Company (DPA), the performers in "Holiday Wonders," lived up to their billing as world-class performers, creatively displaying to the audience the intricacies of classical Chinese dance. With every act carrying some deeper message, be it from myths and legends of ancient China, or boldly touching on contemporary topics, DPA displayed a creative professionalism that was impressive.
One extended family from Kingsport, TN learned about "Holiday Wonders" on the Internet and came to Charlotte to see the show. Anthony and Rita Moody and their adopted Chinese daughter Alexis came with Jerry and Pam Hickman, who also have an adopted Chinese daughter named Olivia. They were impressed with the quality of the show and when asked if the show was worth the long trip, Pam resoundingly answered, "Definitely!" Anthony and Pam are brother and sister.
Chris and Julie Lord from Charlotte were impressed with the music. Chris said, "I like the instrumental, the music. The professional quality is very well done. The costumes are very nice, especially the streamers." His wife Julie also liked the costumes with "the beautiful color and flowing sleeves."
Ida Edwards came to the show with grandson Evin Tilley from Charlotte. Evin said, "I liked the drumming because I like loud noise. I plan to learn the drums and it was a good experience to see." Ida was most impressed with the costumes. When asked about the quality of the costumes, she said, "The costumes were just breathtaking, the way they do the colors. I really like the sleeve dance."
Jim and Hope Young, from Charlotte, came with their two adopted Chinese daughters Rose and Ella. They said their daughters take ballet dancing, so they understood the stories behind the dances. The couple said, "We don't go to many shows but we think the show is done professionally, and the costumes were wonderful."
Overcoming Chinese Regime's Objection
Before the show started, the Chinese embassy in Washington, D.C. called Ovens Auditorium discouraging the venue from holding the show (Ovens management refused). Charlotte's biggest newspaper, The Charlotte Observer , published the incident, arousing local interest in the show.
Leeshai Lemish, one of the show's host, explained, "Our show is inspired by spiritual beliefs...and the CCP is atheistic. Any spiritual belief is fundamentally challenged." Lemish also said the show was not afraid to openly explore any topics, including spiritual beliefs and human rights—topics that the CCP suppresses in China.
Indeed, one of the more moving number depicts a mother and her small daughter, both Falun Gong practitioners, displaying courage in the face of adversity. The act received loud applause from the audience.
With additional reporting from Hilkat Kumez.
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