Former Berlin State Opera Dancer: 'The dancers' talent is of high quality'

BERLIN—Gertrude Sankowsky, accompanied by her husband Goetz, took in the Divine Performing Arts Chinese Spectacular at Berlin's International Congress Center on March 15.

Gertrude was formerly a dancer with the prestigious Berlin State Opera. The couple, who has been married for 56 years, had high praise for the show. Goetz commented on the unique digital backdrops.

"I have a fantastic impression of this performance, beginning with the backdrops. Such detail is rare or absent from present-day opera or ballet performances in Berlin," he said.

"The stage managers are under the impression that backdrops, so common in the past, are no longer necessary - that they do not fit in with our modern day and age. But everything here is suitable, although somewhat foreign to us, but nevertheless impressing us with tradition-bound history. The show is a winner for an evening spent out."

Gertrude was impressed wit the professionalism of the performers.

"The dancers' talent is of high quality. They dance differently compared to our ballet; where we use toe touches; they use their heels. It is interesting to witness this. The whole performance was very nice, beautiful. Even the jumps - everything was harmonious and varied, including the arm and hand motions, very nice."

Goetz enjoyed all aspects of the show, saying it varied greatly from the Beijing Opera, which he had seen before.

"As a whole, the show was enchanting, considering the colors, choreography and the performers' individual talents. I was surprised how easy the music was to listen to. We were only familiar with Beijing Opera, something almost impossible for our ears to listen to.

"But this show included actual melodies — they made the transition to our western ears. A good example is the erhu. Furthermore, the provocative denial of Red China caught our attention, particularly in light of the latest developments in Tibet," said Goetz.

"I also thought it a positive idea to incorporate the three principles [Truth, Compassion and Tolerance]," said Gertrude.

The Epoch Times is a proud sponsor of the Shen Yun Chinese Spectacular shows. For more information, please see www.bestchineseshows.com .

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