(Clearwisdom.net) Kim Ji Hee, Director of the Museum of Natural Dye Arts, Chairperson of International Women Artists and Honorary Professor at Catholic University of Daegu watched the Chinese New Year Spectacular presented by Divine Performing Arts on January 31, 2009. She wholeheartedly recommended the show to everyone, saying, "DPA brims with artistic perfection. Please don't miss this stunning feast!" This is the second year that Kim Ji Hee has seen the show.
 Kim Ji Hee, Director of the Museum of Natural Dye Arts, Chairperson of International Women Artists and Honorary Professor of Catholic University of Daegu |
Professor Kim noted that this year's Spectacular uses basic but lively colors to tell the story; the scenes are not only magnificent but also very natural and full of life. "The entire performance exudes artistic charm," she said. "In Welcoming Spring, fans were used to form flowers, and their intricate, poetic footwork draws one into the exhilarating and refreshing world on stage; the last number, Flowing Sleeves was ineffably beautiful. Although we have similar dances in our country, DPA is exemplary and much more dazzling in terms of technique. I have learned lots of lessons from them, which I can apply in the field of natural dye."
"When Mulan in Mulan Joins the Battle puts down her handiwork and took her father's sword, the backdrop scene which displayed the breathtaking countryside was so invigorating and relaxing, which really helped drive the message home [filial piety and patriotism]. The Mongolian Chopsticks dance was vigorous and ravishing."
Professor Kim praised Divine Performing Arts, saying, "The lines expressed throughout the dances were smooth and graceful, the colors were more than the eyes could digest at any given time; it really was virtuosity beyond words." She said modern women have somewhat lost their femininity due to the competitiveness of contemporary society, and it was such a treat to watch the portrayal of women's delicacy and elegance as they once were.
To Kim, DPA's incredible appeal lies not only in its consummate loveliness but also its depiction of diverse cultures. "The costumes are ever changing and always gorgeous, and people are exposed to not only the arts but also the values and characteristics of different ethnic groups."
Kim said that DPA presented an impeccable combination of classic and modern art, and everyone can identify with one or more of the number in the show. This is why DPA has garnered such widespread popularity within such a short period of time. Kim continued, "All of DPA's music, drama and dance contain profound meanings, such as Mulan Joins the Battle and The Legend of the Brush. It is much more than stage art and rhythmic dance. It reconnects us with the deep roots in ancient legends which are highly educational for children."
Kim Ji Hee says that modern education overemphasizes financial and technical aspects and lacks philosophical and moral implications. She hopes that traditional values such as filial piety, integrity and compassion will be preserved and taught in schools along with math and science.
Professor Kim drafted a letter of congratulations to Divine Performing Arts before they arrived in South Korea. In it she said, "Good music, art and performance can purify the soul and assist one in finding his good nature. As an artist who loves classical arts, I pray this show will lead people in finding the traditional culture that was imparted to them by the divine. I sincerely welcome Divine Performing Arts and hope this performance will always stay in Daegu people's memory as a cherished experience."
