(Clearwisdom.net) Shen Yun Divine Performing Arts (SYDPA) arrived in Taiwan on February 20, 2009, beginning a 37 show run in 6 cities on the island.

Ticket sales started on December 1, 2008, and within 5 days, nearly 20,000 tickets were sold. China Times reported on January 12, 2009 that "about 50 school principals and teachers gathered in the cultural centre of Taizhong on the 11th to promote SYDPA. They said that the SYDPA show blended the essence of Chinese traditional culture. The show not only brims with new concepts but also purifies people's souls and is very educational." SYDPA has apparently stirred up a new wave of art in Taiwan.

President of Tainan University of Science and Technology: It is truly Divine

President Chen Hongzhu of the Tainan University of Technology watched the SYDPA show last year in early 2008 at the Tainan Culture Centre, yet he still holds very vivid memories of the unique combination of eastern and western arts. He said that the whole show was "truly divine."

President Chen Hongzhu of the Tainan University of Technology: SYDPA deserves to be called "Divine"

President Chen said, "The performance is outstanding, not only in terms of visual effects of lighting, props and backdrops, but also the stories that depict loyalty, filial piety, moral integrity and righteousness. The first impression it gives people is that it is truly extraordinary. The production is very well designed, especially the unique combination of eastern and western arts. It is truly Divine." He said, "Last year, the dance 'Nymphs of the Sea" gave me a feeling of softness or a feeling of ripples on the sea. From all aspects, the stage, the lighting effects and visual impression, it was very vivid and I was very impressed. I could feel the effort put into the production and the beauty it presented as a whole. This is what that touches my heart most."

The perfect display of arts and history is worth appreciation and learning by all teachers and students

President Chen said the Tainan University of Technology is the only one of the 15 technical universities in Taiwan that has a college of arts. It offers courses in fine art, music and dance, as well as a research institute. He believes that SYDPA has combined the arts offered in all their four departments and demonstrated perfect arts, and that is why he recommends SYDPA to all the teachers and students so that they can watch and learn from SYDPA. President Chen admires SYDPA for its presentation of China's divine culture and its advocacy of traditional spirit in respecting heaven and virtues. He thinks that SYDPA plays a significant role in moral development. "The SYDPA show is very inspiring and educational for our students, whether from the perspectives of arts, education, history or culture," he said.

More than a feeling of beauty

Mr. Yan Hongming, Principal of the Wanquan High School in Nanning, also watched the show last year. He said from watching SYDPA, students could nurture their appreciation of aesthetics and morals. The Wanquan High School is located in the suburbs of Tainan City. Mr. Yan Hongming treats the school as his family and works very diligently in running the school. He pays special attention to moral education and is highly respected by all the teachers, students and the local gentry.

Principal of Wanquan High School says SYDPA nurtures appreciation of aesthetics and morals.

From the educational perspective, Mr. Yan Hongming thinks SYDPA not only gives people a feeling of beauty, but also inspires morals and conscience. "I find that SYDPA is not only beautiful, but it inspires people to improve morals. That's why I encourage people to go and watch the show, especially in today's world where morals are going downhill by the day. People only pay attention to going to a good university and achieving good marks. We need to pay attention to moral issues."

Very impressive, the name "Divine" is very appropriate

School Principal Yan Hongming holds very vivid memories of the SYDPA show. When he talked about the show last year, he said, "You can describe SYDPA with the word "Divine," because it is truly full of divineness. SYDPA is very advanced in its application of lighting effects and technology. The movements and the expressions of the performers are very good, very beautiful, and it promotes morality, truth and beauty," he said.

When SYDPA came to Taiwan last year, Mr. Yan Hongming enthusiastically encouraged people to go to the show, and he even bought tickets with his own money to invite the school directors and teachers to watch the show. This year, before SYDPA arrived, he again purchased tickets to award good students. Principal Yan stressed that in today's world in particular, when people only pay attention to going to a university and achieving good marks, we need even more the messages brought to us by SYDPA.

Principal Yan said, "I hope through this way of education, the children can learn to appreciate aesthetics and receive moral education. I hope children can be inspired to pursue morality and beauty. Some children may indeed develop an interest in dance and demonstrate their talent in other forms of arts. I hope everyone supports such events. Come and watch SYDPA; understand SYDPA and tell your friends about how wonderful it is."