AUCKLAND, New Zealand—Auckland airport was buzzing this evening as the Divine Performing Arts group landed to a sea of well-wishers. Flowers were passed to performers as they stepped through the gates and there were loud cheers for the two New Zealand dancers in the group. Divine Performing Arts are bringing the Chinese Spectacular to Auckland's ASB Theatre for the next three nights as well as an additional show on Saturday afternoon.
One of the New Zealanders in the group, Nan Ni, was greeted by old friends and proud family members. "As soon as I arrived in New Zealand, I almost forgot all my tiredness—we will give our best performance at the show, so that we exceed New Zealand audiences' expectations," she said.
Li Lin, the other New Zealander who has been travelling on the world tour, encouraged Kiwis to see the show. "I hope New Zealand can watch the show, as it is a very good show. I hope they can come and get to know more about traditional culture."
The head of the New York-based Divine Performing Arts group stepped onto New Zealand soil for the first time—she had not travelled with the group last year when it came to Auckland for two shows.
Tia Zhang said she had heard New Zealand was a beautiful country. "And New Zealanders are very kind-hearted.
"I just experienced that as we can see so many people are here to give us a warm welcome," she said, adding that, "we will present our best performance in New Zealand."
"I hope more New Zealand people can come to the show, as it presents the heaven-given culture, it can bring the audience a pure, compassionate, and most beautiful performance."
Divine Performing Arts seek to recreate and bring back the lost treasures of ancient China, where people believed in morality and higher values to guide their lives. People believed in Buddhism, Daoism and Confucianism and society prospered. The Chinese Communist Party has sought to destroy all traditional Chinese culture over the past 60 years, and now Divine Performing Arts are reclaiming it.
One of the hosts of the show, Li Shan, said she has a great interest in true Chinese culture.
"If people really understand real Chinese culture, they will cherish this show, as it presents China's 5000 years of culture passed from the heaven."
Lead dancer Michelle Ren was also touched by the welcome the performers received. She responded that, "Everyone is ready to give their best performance in the four shows, so that the people will love the show."
The Divine Performing Arts Chinese Spectacular will grace the stage in Auckland's ASB Theatre at 7.30pm Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights, as well as a 2.30pm show on Saturday. Tickets are available at Ticketek.co.nz or by phoning 0800 842 538.
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:
http://en.epochtimes.com/features/dpa2008/
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