United States: Associate Dean at Ohio State University: The Perfect Performance

In its debut in the "Buckeye States" capitol, Divine Performing Arts (DPA) 2009 World Tour was enthusiastically received in Columbus on Sunday with a long standing ovation.

Dr. Charles Hancock, an associate dean at Ohio State University's OSU Education and Human Ecology Division, was among the appreciative audience members that filled the prestigious Ohio Theatre. He was so impressed by the advertisements and flyers advertising DPA, that he decided to see the show.

Dr. Charles Hancock, an associate dean at Ohio State University's OSU Education and Human Ecology Division

"I think it's exciting, you learn about Chinese culture through dance. I love the costumes, I loved the sounds, the poetry," he said with a big smile on his face. "Next year, we have to bring our grandchildren - we have two little girls and they would enjoy it because everything is so perfectly choreographed. I would like to come back next year."

Dr. Hancock said he's learned "A little bit about the history of Chinese culture-the dynasties, we just learned about one of the dynasties. I didn't know much about the divine traditions, so learning a little bit about the way Chinese people, at least historically, have thought about the Buddha and other people who share their wisdom and learning. Even that little thing about learning how to write, using calligraphy, and not the bamboo with the chisels. I am just learning so much."

Reflecting on the show's title, Divine Performing Arts, and how the overall show touched him, he said, "It certainly shows a kind of spiritual side of the Chinese people and Chinese culture that may or may not be religion, but it is spiritual, a belief in something bigger. Its involvement of humans, I loved that modern scene with the father and the mother and the child were there and the father is in the next life or heaven. I think it was fantastic ["Heaven Awaits Us Despite Persecution"]. I am learning a lot about Chinese culture tonight. I would like to learn to speak Chinese too."

"Well, I guess if I could say a little bit about the show - everything seems to be very well organised - everything seems to be uniform. I guess that whole idea of what I understand about yin and yang, those two sides and the way they blend together so beautifully, so I am learning a lot and I am so glad I am here."

"I think what I liked best is, that it is traditional culture - I know there are modern things, and young people who like all of that, but I think this is tradition and we can't lose tradition. Chinese people seem to want to maintain that history. America has such a short history in comparison, so I am learning quite a bit about Chinese history."

Dr. Hancock added, "Its reinforced some views that the Chinese people and Chinese culture are very serious - it has a serious side, but then it can be beautiful and it can be enjoyed, like tonight."

After a little thought Dr. Hancock said, "It has taught me that Chinese people at least through these dances and these performances are very serious, and they want... perfection. The musicians, the singers - the perfect performance. The dances are perfect dances."

Source: http://theepochtimes.com/n2/content/view/13339/