University of Washington Faculty Members Enjoy 'Spectacular' Evening

University of Washington assistant professors Juliet McMains (L) and Christina Sunardi (R) teach in the dance and music departments respectively. (Gary Wang/The Epoch Times)

SEATTLE—As Divine Performing Arts wraps up its performance in Seattle, Juliet McMains and Christina Sunardi left the show on Thursday with excitement. Both agreed on a favorite piece, the "Mongolian Bowl Dance."

McMains, who is an assistant professor in the dance program at the University of Washington, teaches courses in cross-cultural lands and the history of Chinese dance.

McMains explained, "I really liked the 'Mongolian Bowl Dance.' I have a student who was in Tajikistan this summer and I was struck by how similar the aesthetics are. You can see migration as you watch dances from regions that are close to each other. The costume, the movements—it was so fun to see that connection."

Sunardi, an assistant professor in the music department, said about her favorite performance, "I don't know … I was just impressed with it and I have not been able to say how they maintain their balance … and their arms are just so graceful that they look like birds, or butterflies or something like that. That was really neat."

She was also impressed by the two MCs' humor, energy, and their ability to seamlessly switch between Chinese and English while introducing each program.

One program depicts a situation taking place in China today, which is the persecution of Falun Gong practitioners that started in July 1999. When asked about this program, McMains said, "I don't know much about [Falun Gong], so I think it is great to get this kind of voice."

For information about upcoming Divine Performing Arts shows, please visit: www.DivinePerformingArts.org.