The Divine Performing Arts, a New York-based company of artists, was greeted by a rose-colored morning sky upon arrival at Duesseldorf airport on Tuesday.
Although the plane was slightly delayed, the gathering of about 30 local fans didn't seem to mind. One woman, who held a banner with the words "Shen Yun Welcome to Europe" told us that she had gotten up at 4:45 a.m. to be there.
"We are very proud to be here because Shen Yun brings to us the true Chinese culture," said Xing from Ratingen, a native from Mainland China who has lived in Germany for the past ten years.
Shen Yun is the Chinese Spectacular, a lavish production showcasing the best of China's ancient culture and traditions, staged by Divine Performing Arts and currently on a world tour.
Soon, Mehmet Tüysüz, who arrived on the same plane as the artists, joined the welcoming group. He had a flyer about the Spectacular which had just completed an 11-day run at New York's prestigious Radio City Music Hall.
Now, immediately after landing, someone handed him a flyer about the show in Duisburg, where the Spectacular will play on February 13 and 14.
Tüysüz said he thoroughly enjoyed being on the same flight as the performers. He was excited and wanted to attend the show. He shared the photos from his trip to New York on his digital camera, including a corny but beautiful rose color bathed Statue of Liberty by the evening sun. Later, he took pictures of the performers as they arrived.
As people entered the arrival area from the plane, they couldn't miss the several-meter-long Shen Yun greeting banner. A lady stopped and, seemingly deep in thought, read the banner, until the planes passengers behind her kindly asked her to move on.
About an hour later, the artists finally appeared, embarking on the first leg of their European tour. People applauded as one performer after another stepped through the electronic sliding door, the female artists wearing long white coats, the men in the classic blazers.
Among them was the famous Tenor Guan Guimin, who was surprised with the short length of the flight, as was Spectacular co-host, Leeshai Lemish.
"It is crazy. We left at 6 p.m. and it is already early morning," said Lemish.
But his face beams with a smile and he looks happy. One can see that his smile comes from the heart. Why does he seem delighted? "To bring the people something that they have never seen before the true spirit of China. The show is imbued with it."
Damina Schmalz, the representative of the local organizer NTDTV [New Tang Dynasty Television] in Duisburg, appears to be calm. But, his demeanor does not show how he feels inside. "Yes, I'm nervous. I have stage-fright, similar to what the performers feel before they perform," said Schmalz.
He wants the audience to be speechless, just as in the USA, where the performers gave their first show. "One does not have to be an art buff to enjoy this show! That's what it makes so special. She treats famous artists just as if they were regular visitors."
For information on all upcoming shows, please visit: www.DivinePerformingArts.org.
The Epoch Times is a proud sponsor of the Divine Performin Arts shows.
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