The Toronto debut of the 2008 Chinese New Year Spectacular treated the audience to a generous helping of Chinese culture at the Sony Centre for the Performing Arts on Friday evening.
"I am very happy!" said Ontario legislator Mario Racco after the show. This was the second time that Mr. Racco brought his family to see the Spectacular.
"The show was as good as last year — the colours, the dance, the movements. I am very happy. The kids were very excited. They found it to be even more exciting than I did." Racco said.
Mrs. Racco, who is of Chinese origin, said she's proud of her heritage and loved the Spectacular.
"I think it is spectacular. It is wonderful to just watch the culture. The dancers are just wonderful. It is a great way to share our culture with Westerners."
Kalista Garnier-Wells, who also attended the show, turned eight on Friday and received a special present from her father Dale — tickets to the Spectacular.
"The show was great! I thought it was very emotional," said Wells, a graphic designer. He said that he liked the Water Sleeves dance the best but he also enjoyed the drumming act.
"When I've watched other dances, I didn't necessarily get the story, or I didn't know what they were trying to convey. But tonight, a lot of the dances were very clear to me. The actions were very clear and the emotions behind them," said Wells.
Wells added that he found the dance depicting the persecution of Falun Gong "very powerful," as well as the one in which two men who are up to no good become transformed by an act of kindness. "I found it all very invigorating."
"I really like the way the costumes were made," said Kalista.
After Toronto, the Spectacular will continue on its world tour, playing in the U.S., Japan, Korea, Paris, Singapore and Australia before heading to Vancouver, Calgary and Edmonton in the spring.
The Epoch Times is a proud sponsor of the Divine Performing Arts shows that will perform in over 60 cities worldwide in 2008. To find a show near you, please visit www.bestchineseshows.com.
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