Rushing onto the stage with drums pounding and wearing traditional costumes, the male performers of the Tang Dynasty drumming dance, performed one of the more energetic segments of Divine Performing Art's 2008 Chinese New Year Spectacular. With strong movements and martial arts elements, the drummers epitomize the bravery of men in the Tang Dynasty.
"The kids liked the drums the best," said Diane Benaroya from the San Diego Jewish Journal. "The rhythm was great, dancing, and drumming at the same time; it was incredible. They're really talented performers."
Showing at San Diego's California Center for the Arts, Escondido, from Jan. 15 to 17, the Chinese New Year Spectacular will be performing in over 60 cities worldwide.
"It's amazing. It's a very beautiful show," said Joe Hamilton, a warehouse worker in San Diego. "I liked the Mongolian bowl dance, it was very beautiful; but the drums of course were my favorite."
Hamilton came to attend the Jan. 16 showing of the Chinese New Year Spectacular along with his brother, Sean. He also mentioned that he's always enjoyed the drums, as his father has played them for more than 30 years.
With over 25 drums and drummers filling the stage at once; the rhythmic harmony combined with elaborate costumes, acrobatics, and a resounding beat created a very enjoyable experience.
"I was very impressed by the costumes. They were very unique and traditional. Being a drummer, I liked the drum ensemble that they had. It was very well choreographed with tight drumming," said Martin Francis, a San Diego Jazz musician.
"It can be seen that the group worked together for some time. It was very interesting."
The Epoch Times is a proud sponsor of the Divine Performing Arts shows that will perform in over 60 cities worldwide in 2008. To find a show near you, please visit www.bestchineseshows.com.