VANCOUVER—Carol King, an instructional assistant at a local college, thoroughly enjoyed the Chinese Spectacular when she attended its premiere at Surrey's Bell Performing Arts Centre on Friday evening.
"It was very elegant and interesting to see the culture coming out through the dance, and there were very young people there too, I like to see that," said King.
She said her favourite pieces were Watersleeves, the drumming acts and a solo by alto Yang Jiangsheng.
"I liked the wave/water dance, the drums, and especially the first solo vocal artist, whose voice was very rich and clear."
King felt the show successfully portrayed traditional Chinese culture and history, which is its main objective. She was also impressed by its unique, state-of-the-art digital backdrops.
"I liked the way they tell the story and then the dance comes afterwards, which really gives me an idea of what they are dancing about. I also liked the backdrop, as the visual effects were really great."
A major objective of the show is to bring something new to western audiences, something King said was "definitely" of value. "Especially with the Olympics coming up, it's good to promote Chinese culture."
King also commented on interference by the Chinese consulate in Calgary and the pressure tactics they used to prevent two travel agencies, Travel Alberta and Tourism Calgary, from sponsoring the show — something both had previously agreed to do. The Spectacular is scheduled to play in Calgary at the end of the month.
There have been similar attempts by Chinese embassies and consulates to cause trouble for the show in almost every city in which it has played since it began touring in 2004.
"I don't think the consulate should try to stop any artist from performing, and it is probably filled with political motives. This Spectacular promotes culture and this is good for China. There is nothing negative about it whatsoever."
King said she would recommend the show to others, and if she saw it again she'd like to share it with "some young people, like my daughter, as she is really interested in ballet – really interested."
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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