NEW YORK—Maria Travis, a patternmaker in New York City's famous Fashion District, said the costumes and the culture of the Chinese New Year Splendor at Radio City Music Hall were "incredible."
"My arms are tired from clapping so much … I'm sure they'll be sore tomorrow," said Travis, after seeing the Friday evening performance. "I thought it was fantastic. The dancers were incredible and the costumes were so beautiful."
"I'm a fan of Chinese culture," said Travis, who has worked with many Chinese immigrants in the fashion industry. " I ask them questions about the culture, it all seems very interesting, and so I wanted to come and see the show."
Travis said that, in general, she likes ancient cultures.
"I just love different cultures because our culture just isn't that old and isn't that rich, I'm not saying it's bad, but I just find ancient cultures are really fascinating."
The Divine Performing Arts touring company that puts on the Chinese New Year Splendor has a mission of presenting true Chinese culture free from the Chinese communist regime back in the mainland. Since taking power around 60 years ago, the regime has been credited with destroying and repressing much of China's 5,000-year-old culture.
"It made me see that it's sad that so much beauty in the culture is being repressed. It's thousands of years [of culture] and it's such a sad thing," she said. "I can only hope that in the future it can go back to the way it was."
Travis, who enjoys watching Korean opera on TV and learning Cantonese phrases, learned about the show from seeing people in authentic Chinese costumes handing out flyers at the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.
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: www.DivinePerformingArts.org . The Epoch Times is a proud sponsor of the Chinese New Year Splendor.