Epoch Times Staff Mar 14, 2009

Mr. Chris Castro, Chief of the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) Kaohsiung Branch Office (second from left) watched Divine Performing Arts in Tainan and Kaohsiung. (Daniel/ The Epoch Times)

HAOHSIUNG, Taiwan--The U.S.-based Divine Performing Arts International Company's 2009 World Tour has caused quite a stir in various major cities around the world. Its second show in Kaohsiung was presented at the Kaohsiung County Labor Recreation Center on the afternoon of March 14, 2009, and once again it drew a full house.

After watching Divine Performing Arts' premiere in Tainan, Mr. Chris Castro, Chief of the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) Kaohsiung Branch Office, once again made it to the show in Kaohsiung. "It was indeed wonderful. Chinese culture is so profound that the more you look at it, the deeper it becomes," said Mr. Castro, excitedly.

On the morning of February 21, 2009, Mr. Castro came all the way from Kaohsiung to Tainan to see Divine Performing Arts at the Tainan Municipal Cultural Center with his parents, who happened to be visiting Taiwan from the United States, and his friends. Mr. Castro was so fascinated by the magnificent performance that he decided to see the show again.

Mr. Castro said that he was very touched when seeing Divine Performing Arts for the first time. "Since most of the dancers were from the U.S., they are actually Americans. However, much to my surprise, they were able to perform the Chinese dances so perfectly and presented the magnificence of Chinese culture so wonderfully. It was a spectacular form of performing arts." "In the show, Divine Performing Arts wonderfully interpreted many famous Chinese legends. They touched the bottom of the audience's hearts," he pleasantly said.

He mentioned that when seeing the show for the second time, he was further moved. He said, "Today, after paying more attention to the colors presented on the stage and performers' dancing skills, I would say that this indeed is an outstanding show. I learned a lot from it, and I was really fascinated with it."

"Every piece of the program was so exquisite and fascinating. Whether they were dancing or singing, all of the programs left an unforgettable impression on me." In addition, he praised Divine Performing Arts' dancing skills and singing techniques, saying they were the best in the world, and he has never seen a show like this.

Talking about why Divine Performing Arts has touched his heart so deeply, he opted to use his fluent English to express his feelings, "When I was in the U.S., I found that many overseas Chinese descendants, including myself, as I was born in the U.S., had a feeling of detachment from Chinese culture. However, although most of Divine Performing Arts' performers are from the U.S., they love Chinese culture and are able to present the essence of Chinese culture splendidly. Therefore, it really touched me so much!"

Mr. Castro pointed out that he once studied at Taiwan's National Chengchi University some twenty years ago. He added, "During that period of time, I found that Taiwan was the place that had preserved Chinese culture most completely. That is very good. Today, the Divine Performing Arts flew all the way from the U.S. to Taiwan, and presented the magnificent essence of Chinese culture to Kaohsiung residents. It is truly a beautiful blessing." "The fact that so many audience members are here seeing the show bears witness to Divine Performing Arts' popularity."

Talking about his parents, Mr. Castro said with a smile that they have become Divine Performing Arts' loyal "fans," and that after returning to the U.S, they will introduce the show to their many relatives and friends.

Source http://theepochtimes.com/n2/content/view/13701/