The proverbial 'they' say that good theatre is good liturgy. If that's true, then the ancient cultures who have become so good at theatre have much to teach us, and perhaps we are wise to listen.
This year, as part of the Spring Festival celebrations which marked the Chinese New Year, a group of twenty-one dancers performed the Dance of a Thousand Hands. To the western eye, this is a beautiful mixture of colour and movement that is a true display of talent, but moreso of discipline and what must represent HOURS of work.
The accomplishment is all the more remarkable considering that all the performers are deaf. They can't hear any of the music, and must rely on prompts from trainers who are situated at the four corners of the stage!
The Dance of a thousand hands was first débuted on the international stage at the Athens Paralympic Games in 2004, but it has long been part of the repertoire of the Chinese Disabled Peoples Performing Arts Troupe and has appeared in more than 40 countries.
This year, as part of the Spring Festival celebrations which marked the Chinese New Year, a group of twenty-one dancers performed the Dance of a Thousand Hands. To the western eye, this is a beautiful mixture of colour and movement that is a true display of talent, but moreso of discipline and what must represent HOURS of work.
The accomplishment is all the more remarkable considering that all the performers are deaf. They can't hear any of the music, and must rely on prompts from trainers who are situated at the four corners of the stage!
The Dance of a thousand hands was first débuted on the international stage at the Athens Paralympic Games in 2004, but it has long been part of the repertoire of the Chinese Disabled Peoples Performing Arts Troupe and has appeared in more than 40 countries.
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