SAN FRANCISCO—On a cold and rainy January night, people came from miles around to immerse themselves in a show featuring the profound, 5,000-year-old Chinese culture. This was a show like no other, the Chinese New Year Spectacular which arrived in San Francisco yesterday for seven shows, running Jan. 23-26.
By the look of the crowd, you could see people from all walks of life. Old and young alike seemed to be full of positive energy at the intermission of today's performance.
Diane came up from El Granada, CA, braving the windy and wet roads to delight in the Spectacular . She makes a living designing and caring for gardens.
When asked about her favorite part of the show she responded: "I loved the drums… I am not a drummer but I just really appreciate it."
She had seen some Japanese drums before at an Obon festival and was beginning to develop an appreciation for the thundering instruments.
"I realized how much I love drums when I heard that," she declared
Diane heard about the show from a friend of a friend. Good news travels fast, as they say.
The Spectacular also aims to educate the audience, exposing them to the true traditional forms of Chinese dancing.
"I certainly got more of a feel for the basic movements, and the bearing, how the people carry themselves," Diane remarked.
Diane also learned about the ancient myths of China. She continued on, "I didn't know the legends, so that was interesting, seeing them danced out."
She happens to be a bit of an artist herself. As a sculptor, she usually works with clay, wood, and paper mâché.
"Mostly I work with the female form. That seems to be, to me, that's an expression of spirit," Diane explained.
Her impressions of the show on a spiritual level had to do with the way Chinese people work together.
"What I felt strongest was the kind of community spirit that I know is part of Chinese culture, having people do things as a group, not really encouraging individualism at all," she concluded.
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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