ATLANTA—Divine Performing Arts (DPA), which, according to its website, is the “world’s premier Chinese dance and music company,” commenced its worldwide tour Friday night in a trifecta of shows across the East Coast that included the Atlanta Spectacular at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre. The DPA International Company, one of three touring companies that embarked on their global tours, performed at the capital of the Peach State in a show that enthralled and captivated Chinese-American Atlantans and native Atlantans alike.
‘We’re honored to be the first stop at the worldwide tour,’ said Mr. Pridgeon, a high official with the City of Atlanta. Mr. Pridgeon attended Friday night and proclaimed that he was “so happy to be able to participate and come to this fantastic event this evening.”
While DPA has so far only stopped in Atlanta only once every year, DPA has put on on multiple shows per visit to the city. Following Friday night’s show will be encore performances on Saturday, Dec. 20 at 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
This will be the second year that the DPA has performed in Atlanta at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre (CEPAC). Located just northwest of downtown Atlanta, the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre opened only last September and features a top that strikes a swirl, Italian Murano glass chandeliers.
Also reminiscent of last year, audience members responded enthusiastically to the Chinese classical dances, traditionally spiritual songs, and dramatic pieces that depicted 5,000 years of Chinese history.
“The show has been spectacular,” Mr. Pridgeon said.
All the costumes were created exclusively for DPA. The DPA orchestra presented original pieces that combined Western and Chinese instruments such as the grand piano, the erhu and the pipa. Translucent, animated, colorful digital projections complemented the dancers.
“The juxtaposition of the backdrops with the dancing, it’s an incredible experience,” Mr. Tseng, director of a non profit international organization.
Other theatergoers agreed. An executive of an entertainment company who identified herself as Donna said, ‘The talent is amazing,’ while her husband Kevin added, ‘it’s just so simple and smooth.’ Jerry Bell, a retired fireman, said excitedly about the show, “This is [my wife’s and my] second year. And we will be here year after year after year.’
DPA strives to cover the wide breadth of Chinese culture, with dances from Mongolian Chopsticks and Yi Ethnic Dance to Mulan Joins the Battle and The Monkey King Triumphs. All dances exemplify the best of all elements of ancient Chinese culture and tradition.
But on top of everything, DPA seeks a revival of Chinese cultural roots that are neglected by the ruling Chinese Communists in China. The Chinese Communist Party has systematically repressed fundamental Chinese traditions--strongly evidenced by the Cultural Revolution of the 1960s and 70s--and DPA hopes it can bring back the spiritual and pious culture that existed before the atheism-preferring Communists took power in China.
During the Cultural Revolution, Communists destroyed and burned historical artifacts and relics, and much of China’s history was lost.
It’s because DPA works to reverse the deterioration of Chinese cultures that Mr. Tseng said of the show, “While portraying many aspects of true Chinese culture, this show is not only substantive, it’s meaningful.”
For information please visit divineperformingarts.org
