NEW YORK—The Divine Performing Arts put on the first of 15 shows in New York City's Radio City Music Hall on Jan. 30. Chinese New Year Splendor presented traditional Chinese classical dance and music with pure compassion and beauty, and amazed the audience and comforted many overseas Chinese.
The first program, "Creation," shocked Chen Guoxiong, a 26-year-old chef known for his southern Chinese cooking, "When the curtain rose, it was so amazing and magnificent! I felt I was in heaven and was so excited. It was very impressive."
Chen praised the program "The Loyalty of Yue Fei," which promotes loyalty and filial piety. "I had heard this story when I was little and seen similar other stories; I was never this moved. There wasn't any narration in the show, but one can immediately see the loyalty to country and the filial piety toward parents. It's hard to accomplish both."
When talking about filial piety, the couple wept, "It is very heartbreaking for us not being able to be with our parents to take care of them. They had such a hard time raising us. They never tell us if they are sick, fearing that we would be worried while away from home."
Ye talked about her husband Chen after watching "Drummers of the Tang Court," which demonstrated the power and masculinity of the drummers, "That is what I like about him. I wouldn't have married him otherwise."
"Water Sleeves" presented the gracefulness and the feminine side of women, which allowed Ye to see her shortcoming. She said, "I have a bad temper and am more bossy and stubborn. He, on the other hand, is friendlier."
When asked about what was most unbearable about living overseas, the couple mentioned being homesick and missing their parents, especially during the Chinese New Year, adding that as much as they want to be with their family, the only thing they can do is make phone calls to them.
Ye said that there isn't much of a Chinese New Year atmosphere overseas, "It's really hard, I often cried. Especially when I get sick and there is no one to help me, I hide in a blanket and cry…"
This year has been the most relaxing year so far for the young couple. "We are especially happy this year because we have taken care of things at home and came to watch Chinese New Year Splendor. This is the first time we had a relaxing BIG Chinese New Year celebration overseas," said Chen. "We felt relaxed and happy seeing so many people here. The music is pleasing and helped me to relax. I feel that it has been years that a rock has been pressing down on my heart. It's gone now, all of a sudden. I don't feel nervous and suppressed."
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.
