CHICAGO—For the second year in a row, the Chinese New Year Spectacular had three performances at the Arie Crown Theater in Chicago this weekend.
"It was more than what I expected," said Josphine Kwasek.
"I want to do it every year and make it a Chinese New Year tradition. It is much better than the Chinese acrobats. The dancers just glided across the stage, and the tea cup dance was amazing," added Kwasek.
"It touched me," said Joe Kwasek. I learned a lot."
The performances convey traditional Chinese culture through dance, songs, musical instruments, and costumes, with storylines that articulate China's 5,000 year history.
"We got to learn more about the culture and words like, "Ni Hao," said Fannie Owens, social worker from Chicago.
"Learning about each other's culture is very important. I also think it is wonderful that the Chinese try to hold on to their culture," said Owens.
Some of the story lines, evoke more emotion than others.
"I could tell there needs to be more awareness of the oppression in China. I never really thought about it much before, said Marcia Sivek, an engineer in Chicago.
"But by watching the words [on the digital backdrop]while they sang, I gained a greater understanding of what is really going on in China," said Sivek.
"I heard about the Falun Gong in the news, but it was really sad to see it [persecution] in a dance," said engineer Vince Duperron.
"To know they can't perform this in their own country is equally sad," said Marcia.
Having moved to Chicago from Romania four years ago, Kathy Ardelean said, "I think it was good to show how bad the communists are because they are no good."
The Epoch Times is a proud sponsor of Divine Performing Arts performances. For dates and times of their world tour visit: http://www.divineperformingarts.com/sy/ticket_info.