Divine Performing Arts made its debut in Minneapolis, Minnesota at the Northrop Auditorium at the University of Minnesota on February 3. This unique cultural experience has been welcomed by many distinguished public officials.
Congresswoman Michele Bachmann said the Chinese New Year celebrates family ties. “The ties that bind us to our families are so important. And, there is much that our cultures share in the value we place on family ties. I look forward to working with you and others in the Chinese-American culture in the months to come as we seek to build bridges between our people.”
Mayor Rybak of Minneapolis wished participants and performers an enjoyable Chinese New Year Spectacular and celebration of the Year of the Ox. “This is a special occasion in which viewers from every walk of life are able to enjoy centuries-old Chinese traditions and values.”
Mayor of St Paul, Minneapolis’s twin city, Christopher B. Coleman was unable to attend. However, he thanked the DPA New York-based company for bringing traditional Chinese culture to the people of Minnesota “as we all work together to build a multi-cultural community.”
Minnesota state senators Ellen Anderson of the 66th district and Sandra Pappas of the 65th district expressed their pleasure in welcoming the 2009 Chinese New Year Spectacular to Minneapolis. In a shared greeting, they said they were honored to be a part of this “wonderful celebration and special opportunity.”
Kirk C. Allison, PhD, MS, Program Director of Human Rights and Health at the University of Minnesota’s School of Public Health extended his warm wishes.
Barbara A. Frey, the director of the Human Rights program at the University of Minnesota spoke on behalf of the staff. “I would like to wish you a joyous New Year, filled with peace and respect for the human rights of all people.”
Professor Emeritus, Richard C. Kagan of History at Hamline University stated, said the celebration of Chinese culture “reminds us of the beauty and attraction of China’s history. Many of us were drawn to the literature, theater, and heroes of China because they reflected universal values of human achievement and creativity. The 20th century revealed a collapse of these values because of war, and destructive nationalism. Enjoy the show today. It revives and reflects the aesthetic experience that made China a wondrous civilization.”
S. Senator, Amy Klobuchar was unable to attend, but sent holiday greetings. “For Minnesota, with its growing Chinese community, this holiday is a tremendous example of the power to unite. Although Chinese-Americans come from numerous ethnic groups, all are together today to celebrate and welcome a grand New Year. This holiday is also an important time to reflect on the ways in which the Chinese population continues to enhance the professional, educational, and cultural aspects of life in Minnesota.”
Congressman Jim Ramstad extended his gratitude to DPA for “bringing such a great production to Minnesota. This historical production of China’s 5,000 years through history is most impressive and one that we all are fortunate to host.”
[caption id=“attachment_80571” align=“alignleft” width=“320” caption="Congressman Keith Ellison, of Minnesota
