Culture Stories
The Making of a Spectacular: Skill, Hard Work, and a Pure Heart
Costumes, choreography and hi-tech backdrops bring the past to the present
By Matthew Little, Epoch Times Staff
Nov 24, 2007
Two-stringed Erhu Captivates All Who Hear It
By Pam McLennan, Epoch Times Ottawa Staff
Nov 11, 2007
The early days of Qi Xiaochun's training were rigorous. As a child, her father taught her to play the erhu in a nearby park. He insisted she practice outside every day, rain or shine.
Ancient Chinese Arts Usher in New Era of Entertainment
'Song and dance' show brings Chinese culture to audiences around the world
By Cindy Chan and Joan Delaney, Epoch Times Staff
Nov 06, 2007
China once went by the name "The Land of the Divine" (Shen Zhou), because the people of the time believed that Chinese culture was a gift from the heavens.
From imperial court protocols to fine arts, music, fashion, and even science, all aspects of the society were aligned with the divine order.
The Language of Chinese Dance
By Kay Bel/Epoch Times Australia Staff
Mar 31, 2007
"Ladies of the Manchu Court" (NTDTV)
Chinese dance is a comprehensive system, strict in its sense of precision and unity yet unrestricted in its visual language and capable of depicting all forms of beings and emotional expression through bodily and facial movement.
The Divine Land
Names tell a tale, they say. of the many names for China over the centuries, one stands out for all that it promises to tell: Shenzhou- "The Divine Land."
Colors in Traditional Chinese Culture
The Meaning of Colors in Ancient China
Reprinted with permission by Pureinsight.org
Five Elements…Five Colors
For more than 2000 years, the Chinese people have used brilliant colors. Today in modern China, red is a very popular color. However, contrary to popular belief, ancient peoples did not pay special attention to the color red
Tang Dynasty Emperor Taizong Educates the Crown Prince via Things Encountered in Daily Life
In Chinese, Taizi (the crown prince) is also called Chujun (king-in-waiting). Raising a good successor to the throne was a very important job, as it affected the long-term health of the country. Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty took it very seriously. Crown prince Li Zhi was a kind and righteous person but lacked courage and determination. Emperor Taizong made careful plans to educate Li Zhi so he would be able to keep his good traits and improve on his weaknesses.
An In Depth Look: The Wondrous Costumes Used in the Broadway Spectacular
An In Depth Look: The Wondrous Costumes Used in the Broadway Spectacular
Costumes genuinely and accurately designed to reflect the true histories of the various Chinese dynasties represented
By Peter Wei
Epoch Times
Presenting the Inner Meaning of Traditional Chinese Culture
The Epoch Times recently spoke with Chen Rutang, the chief artistic director of NTDTV's 2006 Chinese New Year Global Gala. Mr. Chen is pleased with the level of artistry attained for this year's Gala, and fully expects it will be an enjoyable event with many delightful surprises for the audience. Following are excerpts from the conversation with Mr. Chen:
Plum Blossoms: From Ancient Paintings to Today
By Tony Dai
Plum blossom, orchid, bamboo, and chrysanthemum were adored by the ancient Chinese literati and artisans, and referred to as the “Four Noblemen.” This was because they were used to portray noble characteristics, such as pureness, humbleness, and uprightness. The first “nobleman” is plum blossom which begins blooming in the harshness of winter and continues into early spring. It is seen as bringing vigor and vitality to the world.
Mythic Flowers Herald a New Age
Renowned mezzo-soprano Yang Jiansheng performs “Udambara Flowers Blossom”
Special to NTDTV Spectacular Online
Celebrities of Their Day
Divinators of Ancient China
By ZHANG TIANLIANG
Dynasties of ancient China supported many scholars, poets and divinators. In ancient China the art of divination came from the heart and could only be done when the heart was pure. Prophecy in ancient China was given great respect and more complex than fortunetelling in the West.
What the Future Holds
Insights from the Plum Blossom Poem
By ZHANG TIANLIANG
The Northern Song Dynasty supported many scholars and poets. One of the most legendary was Shao Yong. Shao Yong's renown comes from a poem that some believe foretells the future“Plum Blossom Poem.”
NTDTV Shows Open Window on Asian Subtlety
Asian-themed performances like NTDTV’s Holiday Wonders or the Chinese New Year Spectacular offer an entirely new experience for many Westerners, partly because they are so different from the more typical, narrative-driven, performing art forms.
It's All in the Details
From roof lines to footpaths
From skyscrapers to churches, we are used to seeing simple lines in today's structures.
Contemporary architects don't design much detail in their buildings. Some buildings, such as the defining works of the modernist-international school, shout “less is more” and show barely any detail at all. Architects of the post-modernist school reintroduced some detail, but it was often random, incongruous and completely opposite from the detail seen in ancient architecture.
A Musical Conversation
Marquis Wen of Wei Asks Zi Xia about Music
Zi Xia, one of Confucius' students and a well-known educator, lived during the fourth century BC in the Marquis Wen's domain of Wei. The marquis and educator once had this conversation about music.
The Gift of Storytelling
In every culture, stories and legends are used to pass down traditions and beliefs through the generations. One of the most well-known holiday stories in the Western tradition is the tale of a miserly old man named Ebenezer Scrooge; Although written in 1843, A Christmas Carol has been remade and spoofed in countless films and returns to local theaters every holiday season. What makes A Christmas Carol endure as it does?
