The curtain rises to reveal stunningly beautiful 3-D scenery that fills the backdrop. On
stage, scores of classical Chinese dancers in splendid costumes gracefully dance with
joyous heavenly music from an exclusive live orchestra. Chinese New Year Spectacular
has begun.

Largest and Finest Celebration in the World

Displaying true traditional Chinese culture reinterpreted for a modern audience on modern stages, Chinese New Year Spectacular will grace 66 major cities across four continents, bringing heart-felt joy to 650,000 audience members in 2008. Audiences have acclaimed it a renaissance, a true world-class celebration on the grandest scale.

“‘Chinese New Year Spectacular’ has spectacle to spare - and a mission to lift the spirits.” - San Francisco Chronicle

“The shows are at once elegant and entertaining - a perfect way for the whole family to celebrate the New Year together.” - Magazine Best of New York

Reviving True Chinese Traditions

China once went by the name “The Land of the Divine,” because ancient Chinese people believed that Chinese culture was a gift from the heavens. In more modern times, the ancient beliefs and customs have been eroded, most notably during the Cultural Revolution.

In 2006, over 200 world-renowned classical Chinese dance artists, vocalists, and musicians gathered in New York and formed Divine Performing Arts. Inspired to bring their true culture back to life, they broke away from the Communist culture imbedded into arts and successfully put five thousand years of civilization into a breathtaking performance.

The Spectacular contains heroic legends and pious tales, ethnic folk dances and grand classical processions, embodying pure truthfulness, pure compassion, and pure beauty. English and Chinese hosts introduce storylines, history, and cultural themes, and translations of song lyrics are projected onto the backdrop, adding to the audience’s understanding and giving context to the performances.

Redeveloping Chinese Classical Dances

Ancient Chinese people emphasized harmony of body and mind and the belief in the divine. Chinese classical dance emphasizes this inner meaning. The expanse of one’s performance is the embodiment of one’s experiences, and the internal enlightenment of one’s life. Chinese classical dance involves dozens of distinctive movements, rhythms, postures. It also includes martial arts and acrobatics. It is therefore capable of expressing most any character or story and is truly entertaining to watch.

Resounding Heavenly Melodies: Fusion of Western and Chinese Music

For the first time, the Orchestra for the Spectacular successfully combines Western and Chinese instruments to create a unique whole. The music draws upon the strengths of Western orchestration to present various distinctive styles of Chinese music. Bright, pure, elegant, and melodious with a definite classical slant, the music in the Spectacular expresses the joy of sound from heaven and it has deeply touched people’s hearts. Ancient Chinese believed that creation of music was originally intended as a medicine to cure. Show goers have told miraculous stories—“After watching your performance, my illness is cured.” Perhaps we should credit part of this miracle to music.

Reserving the Beauty of Ancient Culture: Gorgeous Costumes

Through dance, music, background scenery, and dazzling costumes, the Spectacular
joyfully transports us to the Divine Land of ancient China.

The Spectacular’s wardrobe designers put great effort into creating just the right effect. A
costume starts with a concept of the dance. Designers pore over paintings, frescoes, and
even statues to find the right look for the specific dynasty. Accessories then come into the
design—hair, shoes, hats, and belts.

Ms. Amy Lee, the principal designer in New York, has worked in the fashion industry for
more than twenty years. In general, “Everything can be found in the clothes—even the
ancient people’s morals and values,” said Lee, “Clothing isn’t just a way to cover the
body. It also reflects a person’s thoughts, culture, and respect for the gods.”