(Clearwisdom.net) Steve Mickelson is an Attorney in San Francisco. When asked by a reporter about his impressions of the recent Divine Performing Arts Chinese New Year Spectacular, he stated, "I thought the singers were fantastic, and I enjoyed the political statements that came with the two different dance acts that had to do with Falun Gong. Because I'm an attorney and I love history and I love culture, I thought that part of the show was the most rewarding for me."

He continued, "I'm troubled by the fact that some people aren't able to practice what they believe in and aren't able to say what they feel. Because I love to talk and to be around people and express myself, it's very troubling to me to see that other people don't have those same privileges, and I thought it was really brilliant the way the dancers and singers tried to portray [their feelings] of not being able to express themselves."

Mr. Mickelson said that the dance "The Power of Awareness" impressed him most: "... when they all banded together and started working in the same direction ... that part was very moving to me, and I thought that was a very fitting way to end the show."

He also said that the concept of Zhen, Shan, Ren ("Truthfulness, Compassion, Tolerance") came through very much

He was impressed with the way in which the show conveyed the essence of Chinese culture. "It's inspired me to learn that much more and read that much more about Chinese culture in the future. I love history, it fascinates me, and the Chinese culture is so beautiful. I was speaking with a gentleman behind us, he's a classical pianist who lived in China during the Cultural Revolution. He said he was only allowed to play one song called 'Yellow River' on his piano--the government only allowed him to play that one song. Yet it's so beautiful to see how diverse the Chinese cultures and traditions are and how beautiful they are when they're allowed to be displayed. It contrasts with the sadness of some of the oppression in China, especially [the oppression that] took place during the Cultural Revolution."

Mr. Mickelson also told the reporter that he was very moved by the vocal talents of the singers. He said, "I really enjoyed the tenor--he really impressed me. His voice was so big and carried so well through the hall."