A Taiwan Music Educator's Impressions of Divine Performing Arts (Photo)

By a practitioner from Taiwan

(Clearwisdom.net) Having enjoyed the performance by Divine Performing Arts in Tainan, Mr. Shao Yi-chiang, an expert in music education, wrote down his impressions of the show. He indicated that such a high-level performance, benefiting body and mind and showcasing traditional and creative dances, should be promoted in human society to let more people know the meaning of "harmonious, beautiful and joyful."

Mr. Shao Yi-Chiang, specialist in music education

Mr. Shao Yi-chiang commented in his review:

"About the dance, 'Forsythia in Spring,' the backdrop, the dancing skills and the whole scene -- everything is exceptionally luxurious and pleasant. The young Chinese men and women from the US have gotten together because of their love of dance. Their diligent practice has been very fruitful, which is truly amazing and impressive.

"I have often felt that human society should help to promote this kind of dance that is lofty, healthy, beneficial to our mind and body, traditional and also creative. More people should know that which is "harmonious, beautiful, joyful." We should have less of such activities as the Kenting Rock & Roll Music Fest, that is so crazy and so closely associated with pornography and drug abuse.

"After enjoying the colorful performance by Divine Performing Arts, I further believe, if we want to build an enduring place with peace and warmth, we can only rely on this kind of show with its rich inner content to save our youth and our disappearing traditional culture.

"In the dance, 'A Dunhuang Dream,' the inspiration came from the Dunhuang cave. The dance made me think of the Tang Dynasty, that prosperous and peaceful time, and the Silk Road. At that time, the power of the nation, religious freedom and development of the arts in China all reached their peak. The people enjoyed good and prosperous lives. Looking at the Chinese people nowadays, even though many people lead a rich life (while many others still live in an abyss of poverty), their minds are drying out because of selfishness, greed and cold-heartedness.

"I was fortunate to watch this spectacular show, and I hope that high-ranking cultural and educational officials in Taiwan can see the show as well, and experience the importance and the boundless value of this performing arts troupe. Inspired by this performance, perhaps they could tap the dance centers and schools in each of the major cities, and encourage them to open their minds and hearts and form a large dance troupe. Working together, they could train and shape them into a dance troupe as powerful and capable as Divine Performing Arts. The traditional music and dances of the native Taiwanese, and the Minnan and Kejia ethnic groups should be researched thoroughly. Musicians, choreographers, directors, costume and stage designers and others in the related professions should work together to create an extraordinary show.

"Finally, I would like to salute, with my highest respect, those dancers, singers, musicians and all others involved in the planning and execution of the show."

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Shao Yi-chiang, of Tainan, Taiwan, born in 1934, has studied western classical music extensively, and has been promoting music for 50 years. He was a columnist and executive editor for Music Life of Hong Kong, columnist for Music and Acoustics of Taipei, Music Digest, Music and Musical Classics and other magazines. He has published over 100 books about music. He retired from the Musical Education Professional Society of Taiwan Province. Mr. Shao currently gives classes in Western classical music at Cheng Gong University and community colleges.

Chinese version available at http://www.minghui.org/mh/articles/2007/4/22/153173.html

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