Thursday was a sunny and mild winter day in New York City, following the opening night of Chinese New Year Splendor. Later that evening, a diverse audience representative of the city itself descended upon Radio City Music Hall to watch Divine Performing Arts' second performance in a 15-show run.
"I think it's very beautiful" shared Chi Chi Okoro. "And rich" added Uzo, finishing her sister's sentence. Both young ladies attend Hunter College in New York City.
Uzo liked the Nymphs of the Sea, the drumming numbers, and the Power of Awareness that featured the Chinese Characters that translate to "Truth, Compassion, and Forbearance."
They received tickets to the performance as a surprise gift from a mutual friend. They will recommend the show to friends and family "because it's important to learn about the cultures of other people, and this is how you can do it," explained Chi Chi.
Colin Thompson, a freelance photographer from Guyana, South America, now living in Brooklyn attended the show with his wife and two daughters.
"It's been fantastic. First of all, the graphics go well with the dances, and the unison of the large number of groups [of dancers]. I really believe that it gives you an opportunity to appreciate another culture, definitely. I definitely recommend it to anyone who has the opportunity to see it."
He went on "It gives you a better appreciation of the music. You may have heard it [traditional Chinese music] passing in the streets, but you've never seen it being performed. I think this is a very great experience."
When asked his favorite number, Colin replied "For me, I would say the last one, the drumming," referring to 'Victory Drums' number.
Fred Olitan and Betty Olitan, a retired hospital administrator and registered nurse are originally from the Philipines, and currently they live in Queens. In speaking of the show, Betty shared "we enjoy it, it's very nice…we're learning more about the culture."
Fred added "I like the [Risen] Lotus [Flower] dance I will recommend the show to my daughter and our friends."
The Chinese New Year Splendor continues in New York through Saturday, Feb. 9. For other shows in the Divine Performing Arts world tour, please visit: http://www.divineperformingarts.com/
The Epoch Times is a proud sponsor of the Chinese New Year Spectacular.