Painter and Dancer Thrilled With 'Spectacular' in Finland

TAMPERE, Finland—The Divine Performing Arts dance company debuted the Chinese Spectacular Sunday night at Tampere Hall to rave reviews from audience members.

Kaija Pöytäkivi is a painter of unique ability. Unable to use her arms, she paints by using her mouth to hold the brush. She's been painting her entire life, she said.

"It is beautiful colour in the performance and it is harmonious," she said describing the Spectacular with a painter's eye. "These kind of shows are the best moments in life."

"We decided to take the upper seats, but now it would be nice to sit closer to look all these pearls, hair, dresses," she said.

Pöytäkivi said she particularly enjoyed 'Nymphs of the Sea', a dance where female performers use fans with long draping cloth to mimic the ocean. Another favourite was the erhu soloist, Xiaochun Qi.

"She is reflecting her soul in the music," said Pöytäkivi.

The painter said she came to see the Spectacular after receiving a flyer about the show.

"To see this performance is an experience. It is unique compared with everything else. It is different," she said, recommending the show.

Sirpa Kiviharju is a key account manager for an office equipment company. She is currently focusing on China as part of her global business studies.

"I am interested in everything concerning China, history or culture. Dance is my passion in many ways. I do dancing as a hobby," she explained. Adding that she has been dancing since she was three years old.

"I love the dancing part," she said about the show.

Her favourite dances were 'Nymphs of the Sea', 'Mongolian Bowl Dance' (where female dancers spin around the stage with delicate bowls balanced on their heads) and 'Snowy Mountain, White Lotus' (a Tibetan dance where the female performers have long flowing sleeves to symbolize purity).

"All the movements were very nice and they were combined very nicely together.

Kiviharju said she was fascinated by the dancers´ ability to control their hands and feet.

"I would like to sit even nearer to see all the movements because there are so small details. You could see the feet coming and moving down. It is very nice."

She especially appreciated the performances that dealt with human rights abuses in contemporary China.

"I particularly like the part where about… this persecution of Falun Gong. You have problems, and there is a better tomorrow. You must believe in that."

Maija Halme who retired after working at a bank, attended the Spectacular with her granddaughter.

"It was marvelous. We liked it very much," she said.

She said both of them particularly enjoyed the dances that had drums in them, as well as the dances and costumes of the show.

"Very professional and beautiful," she said.

She said she would recommend the show to her friends and would "very probably" come again next year.

The Epoch Times is a proud sponsor of the Shen Yun Chinese Spectacular shows. For more information, please see www.bestchineseshows.com .