Myths and Legends Come True Again in San Francisco

With two successful performances under its belt, New Tang Dynasty Television's Chinese New Year Global Gala will run for the third year this coming January and February.

Based on the theme of "Myths and Legends," the Gala will feature performers from around the world, collaborating to create a night of music, dance, and drama.

Audience responses have been positive in previous years. Engineer and mother Qiao Sang especially enjoyed the Spanish and Indian dance performances by Ensambles Ballet Folklorico de San Francisco and Prabhath Academy for Music and Performing Arts. "In China, we saw a lot of singers in these kinds of shows, but the multicultural dances were new to me," Sang said. Her six-year-old daughter Rachel especially enjoyed The Journey to the West . "It's her favorite story," said Sang, who strives to teach her American-born daughter the values of Chinese culture.

NTDTV aims to connect Eastern and Western culture, according to program manager Deng Yu. NTDTV's regular satellite programming includes an English-learning program specifically tailored for Chinese viewers and programs introducing Eastern history and culture.

Pianist Ma Changzi, who has performed in mainland China for the majority of 30 years, contrasts shows in China with the Gala. "In China, many of the songs we sang were pro-communist," Ma said. "Many operas promoted revolutionary culture. On the other hand, the Gala shows the spirit of the true Chinese culture, which is impossible to do in China nowadays due to the atheist ideology of the communist party."

Deng believes in the Gala's unique message. "In traditional Chinese culture, art always placed importance on faith in god," he said. "Throughout history, people have always believed that gods created culture. That's how our show is unique. Because the basis of the material is on kindness and not on gaining profit, the feel is very different."

And it felt impressive, according to Sang. She was very moved by the closing dance, Tian Gong , or "Heavenly Court." The piece was put together entirely by 42-plus NTDTV staffers who volunteered extra hours rehearsing for the show.

"The costumes, music and lighting were amazing," Sang said.

Last year's Gala featured the international award-winning National University of Taiwan Dancers and Epoch Times health columnist and professional choreographer Tysan, who directed last year's energetic dance piece Little Blue Flower .

This year, for the first time, similar performers will hit 17 major cities as a part of a traveling Gala. The program list is not yet finalized, but all seems promising. Among other cities, the Gala will show in Paris, Taipei, Washington D.C., New York, Sydney, and the San Francisco area in Cupertino's Flint Center for the Performing Arts on Feb. 12 only. Seating is limited to 2,400.

For ticketing information in San Francisco, please visit www.ticketmaster.com or call (650) 465-5011.

Please see NTDTV's website gala.ntdtv.com for comprehensive information about the Gala.