Describe a show or performance

You should say:

what kind of performance it was

when and where you saw it

how it was performed

and explain how you felt about this performance.

My friends and I visited Laoshe Teahouse in Beijing last summer. It was our first time to visit such a famous place. We not only had nice tea but also enjoyed Chinese traditional art performances. It has been quite an impressive experience to me, and to my friends, too.

The teahouse is to the southwest of Tianan Men Square. Its amazing Beijing style has attracted hundreds of visitors from home and abroad every day.

Before we decided to go, we had heard a lot about that place and we got very excited. We got even more excited when the performance was about to begin-audience from different parts of the world made the atmosphere hot. The performance began with a thrilling starting music. It was folk music played with Chinese traditional instruments. by Teahouse Music Band. The drum beats immediately dragged peoples attention. After starting music was Peking Opera Highlights with the name Presents from Magu. I didnt quite follow its plot because I didnt understand their singing. However, I like the music and the way it was presented. The most unforgettable show came when an artist from Sichuan started performing Face-Changing of Sichuan Opera. It was just like magic. He changed his face so quickly that no one could tell how he could manage that. This show gained much applause from the audience.

I am glad that I took my friends from the US to the Laoshe Teahouse that evening. We had wonderful time there. I like this kind of performance. It has become a special showcase of the essence of Chinese national culture, and a bridge connecting China with the rest of the world.

Part 3

Artistic Performances

Are traditional art forms performed very much in China?

In some small cities and towns, where popular modern art is less introduced into, traditional art forms are still playing an important role in entertaining local people. In big cities, like Beijing and Shanghai, traditional art forms are kept well and performed a lot in big and small theatres. I think people are getting more aware of protecting our own traditions, including traditional art performances. And this is why its now a fashion to go and watch a really good Beijing Opera show at a not so low price.

How does TV program help to spread traditional culture?

TV program helps greatly to spread traditional culture, definitely. For an obvious reason, people have easier access to a TV program than to a live show. Every one can afford it. So, with the help of TV show, more people would have the chance to be exposed to traditional culture.

What benefits do you think people derive from watching performances or visiting art exhibitions?

In my opinion, art is not a necessity in our life, like food and drink. But life cannot be without art. Sounds contradictory? Well, I mean, what people derive from watching performances or visiting art exhibitions is mental pleasure and satisfaction. People say art is the reflection of life. I agree. Suppose after a day of hard work, what will a piece of beautiful music bring to us? Comfort, relief, refreshment, and so many other mental enjoyment. Life is hard, but thanks to art, we become less depressed.

Do you think people generally prefer to go to a concert or to listen to recordings of music?

Generally, the majority would prefer to listen to recordings of music. Its much easy to get and every one could afford the money and time. Besides, concert is concert. Its live, and its one-time. You get there, you listen to it, and its over. Recordings can be listened to for many times. People choose to listen to their favorite recordings at any time, any place they like to.

The Performing Arts and Children

What is the value of watching artistic performance (or experiencing artistic activities) in relation to childrens development?

Beauty education is important in childrens development. Watching artistic performance or experiencing artistic activities is a good way to have such an education. It helps children to build up their understanding of this world. They get to know what is beautiful and what is ugly, which is good for their growing-up. But there is one thing we have to be careful about. That is to choose the proper performance and activities, improper ones could only lead to a bad education.

What is the value of children learning to perform, such as learning to sing or dance in front of an audience?

It depends on if the child him/herself likes to do it or not. If its his/her own willingness to learn, its a hobby. Learning to perform will be a pleasant experience. Knowing how to perform could be a treasure for the childs future development. Performing could be a well-paid occupation. However, if its not the childs own wish to learn, it could be torture and I dont think the child could get anything positive from the learning.

Do you think the performing arts should be included in school curriculums? (Why?/ Why not?)

Performing arts should be included in school curriculums as an optional course, but not a compulsive one. If its optional, students with interest can choose to attend the course and develop their performing talent. For students who are not that involved in performing, they can have enough freedom not to choose to attend the course. Otherwise, it would be a waste of time for those who dont like performing.

Do boys and girls have the same feelings/attitudes about performing (or watching) an artistic performance?

For me, its a little blind to give a yes-or-no answer to this question. Well, if there is difference, I see it as the difference between individuals, but not between boys and girls.

Butwell, yes, I guess its easier for girls to get involved and become part of the story. I remember when I watched the play Cinderella many years ago, I cried when Cinderella was being tortured, but the boy sitting next to me didnt.

Who do you think is more suited to learning how to dance - boys or girls?

Its hard to say. We have female dancers as well as many successful male ones dancing on the world stage. I mean male dancers can achieve as high as females dancers do. However it is a fact that more girls are learning how to dance at an early age than boys. The Chinese thinking is like this. Girls have to be pretty, and dancing girls are just fancy. But for boys people hold different expectations. Boys are expected to be playful and tough. It is not seen as a right thing for boys to learn how to dance.

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