TAMPERE, Finland—Sami Toivonen and Aino Havukainen, a husband-wife children's book-writing team, and their two adopted Chinese daughters were excited spectators at the Chinese Spectacular show at Tampere Hall on March 31.
Anna Havukainen, age 6, originally from Qinghai in China's cold northwest, and Mina Havukainen, age 4, from Jiangxi in the warmer southeast, were given a special gift: the chance to see Divine Performing Arts show that brings ancient Chinese culture back to life.
Both children left their home country for Finland when they were about one-year old.
Mr. Toivonen was quite impressed with the overall beauty of the performance and its uniqueness for Finland.
"I think [the show] is very beautiful. The choreography was exceptional, especially the dancers' simultaneous movement—very beautiful. This is something we don't get to see in Finland. It is really great to see the synchronized dance steps. Also, the artistic creation was so much richer then what is seen in Finland. The dance forms here are very simple, while the Asian dances, the costumes, and everything are so vivid. For us, this was very exotic."
The Chinese cultural show fits in very well with how this couple wants to raise their children. They hope to give them the best of both worlds and do not want them to forget their roots.
"Of course the show was very nice for our girls," said their father. Their mother added that he was impressed by the drums, but the girls were dancing into the lobby. She said, "I liked the drums too, but, of course the costumes—just the thing for my daughter. The little one loves dressing-up; she likes clothes."
The proud mother said, "My younger daughter was quite restless, but when the dancers appeared she was quiet. I think she might become a dancer."
Her husband added with a smile, "I can see them dressing up at home and imitating the movements. I'm afraid that my wife will have to sew long sleeves for them."
"Actually the older girl might be of Mongolian ancestry. So it's nice that there was a Mongolian scene too," said Anna's mother.
Toivonen and Havukainen shared that they always wanted to adopt children. They chose children from China because they had been quite fascinated with the country, especially because of its ancient history.
Both parents felt they made the right choice, especially after seeing the show. Mr. Toivonen commented, "All the different dances clearly reminded us of [China's] long history. The styles were different, and there was so much to see."
Toivonen explained that Anna already realizes her Chinese roots. "The older one identifies with her background quite strongly. I think she's proud of it. At least, staff from the daycare center told me that she has this positive attitude of her being Chinese. And, I'm quite proud that we've been able to give her that proud feeling of her background. If we'd failed in that she'd be ashamed or might think that it's something that you don't discuss."
He added, "It's easy for us because we think that Chinese culture has so much to give, and it is easy to be interested in it and have a positive attitude towards it."
The two writers have collaborated on 10 children's books based on Finnish culture from a child's perspective. "But, we include multi-cultural characters. For example we had this book about a daycare center, where one of the children is adopted from China. We like to reflect today's reality in our books."
For information about upcoming Divine Performing Arts shows, please visit: www.BestChineseShows.com
The Epoch Times is a proud sponsor of the Chinese Spectacular. For our complete coverage please visit: en.epochtimes.com/features/dpa2008/
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