Two friends who had attended the Chinese New Year Spectacular in Toronto last year came back this year for the 2008 show, which they thought was even better.
Sheila Watson, a retired laboratory technician, watched Friday night's show together with her friend Helga Closen, a retired nurse, at Toronto's Sony Centre for the Performing Arts on Front Street.
"The show was excellent," said Watson. "A lot of the dance moves are similar to other cultures. I found that it was similar to Indian, Balinese, and Thai. It was very beautiful. The music was slightly different than other cultures, but it was good, very enjoyable."
"I think it was better than last year's show. I think the show helps us learn more about other cultures and traditions through songs and dance," said Closen.
The Spectacular is a world-class production of music and dance showcasing the authentic classical performing arts of China as well as the artistic traditions of China's ethnic minorities.
Presented by the acclaimed New York-based Divine Performing Arts company, it is playing more than 200 shows in over 60 cities on four continents this year, greatly expanded from its first year of production in 2004 when it toured five cities and played seven shows in total.
Referring to one of the performances that depicts the persecution of Falun Gong practitioners in China, the two friends said that "if the world becomes more aware, maybe we can have some impression on the Chinese government."
Falun Gong is a spiritual practice that became the target of brutal persecution by the Chinese communist regime in 1999.
The Spectacular draws upon themes of courage, faith, and compassion from China's 5,000 years of culture and history. It includes stories from Chinese myths and legends as well as events relevant to modern-day China.
After its run of five shows in Toronto from January 18 to 20, the Spectacular will continue its world tour in the U.S. and other countries before returning to Canada at the end of April. It will play in Vancouver, Calgary, and Edmonton from April 27 to May 7.
Feeds