If you would like to experience the magic and splendor of the crown jewel of ancient Chinese civilization, look no further.
Every year, New Tang Dynasty (NTD) Television, a rising star in global Chinese language media, brings the best of Chinese culture in all its glory to your doorstep right here in the New York City with their unparalleled winter shows: Holiday Wonders at Beacon Theatre and Chinese New Year Splendor at Radio City Music Hall.
Chinese culture is considered one of the greatest and certainly one of the oldest existing cultures that has left the world a lasting intellectual, social, and artistic legacy. Unfortunately, the social upheaval and political crises of the last 100 years in Mainland China have left this once rich and refined civilization a mere shadow of its former self. Decades of Communist rule have not only destroyed so much of the architecture, art, and social mores but have undermined the very essence of China’s culture – its emphasis on virtue and spirituality.
True Chinese culture was based on a divine connection between heaven and earth and harmony between nature and man. To be truly Chinese was to be honest, loyal, gracious, faithful, and civilized.
The golden age of China, the Tang Dynasty (618 to 906 AD), truly embodied the best of Chinese culture with its reverence for the divine, respect for learning, and its openness. This spirit of pluralism and multiculturalism brought about many brilliant achievements, including the invention of block printing, the perfection of the civil service examination system and the flourishing of Buddhism after it had been brought in from India. The Tang Dynasty was truly sophisticated, cosmopolitan, and prosperous, not unlike the New York City of today.
The artists and performers of NTD have spared no effort in creating truly magical productions that aim to transport the viewer not only to that glorious time and place of the Tang Dynasty but to travel to even more magical realms where dragons dance, heavenly maidens frolic, and giant drums roar. With meticulous attention to every detail, from the costumes and intricate hairstyles to the stunning backdrops, NTD has sought to not only recreate the past glory of the Tang and other dynasties in their genuine and authentic form but also to truly bring the profound essence and ingenerate beauty of the Chinese culture to life through the magic and wonder of the stage.
All the hard work has been worthwhile; audience response to the Chinese New Year Splendor has been most gratifying. WNYC said: “SUPERB!!! Every performance was stunning. Amazing, amazing, amazing!” OperaOnline.us said: "A tantalizing and fascinating evening that made me want to stay and see more. In a word, I was simply captivated!"
Stanley, a young boy in Chinatown, became interested in lion dance at age three because his father was a lion dancer in NTD's Chinese New Year Shows. Following his father learning and practicing the traditional performance, Stanley enriched himself in the heritage, showed his talent and made into the upcoming Chinese New Year Splendor at Radio City playing a lovely role in a legend.
NTD kicked off the inaugural Chinese New Year Global Gala, later renamed the Chinese New Year Spectacular, at the Hammerstein Ballroom at the Manhattan Center in 2004. NTD’s affiliates in four cities in the U.S. and other countries joined the Global Gala in their cities. The show drew upon traditional tales and featured dances ranging from an exhilarating Mongolian folk dance where the dancers balanced real ceramic bowls on their heads to ethereal dances depicting heavenly beings and divine realms. The scale, spirit and presentation of the shows took both the Western and Chinese communities by surprise. There was no longer any question in anyone’s mind -- this upstart television network was not only here to stay but was destined for big things.
It certainly was. By the second year, the Gala had sold out Madison Square Garden and was joined by Galas in six cities and countries. Heartened by the unqualified success at the Garden, complete with a standing ovation at the end of the show, NTD decided to expand to the legendary Radio City Music Hall As Cable World says, “There's nothing like doing a show at Radio City Music Hall, one of the best places to stage anything." To stage not only one but three shows City with a cast of hundreds of singers, dancers, and musicians at Radio City with a total of more than 15,000 seats to fill was truly not a task for the feint of heart. But NTD remained true to its vision and put on a tremendous show making full use of Radio City’s massive new LED screen to create an utterly unique and stunning visual experience.
One woman in the audience attended two nights in a row because she was so enchanted by the whole experience of music, song, and dance: "Oh! I wish I were a writer to describe my delight. I felt like a child unwrapping a shiny present, discovering a colorful picture book that I had been needing all along without knowing it. What magical evenings!"
By 2006, NTD’s show had not only played at Radio City but had grown to 16 cities around the world, making it the largest Chinese community event in the world. NTDTV’s Chinese New Year Splendor had truly arrived.
The 2007 season can only be even better and grander. The choreographers, composers, and costume and stage designers continue to search for inspiration in the vast and profound world of ancient Chinese culture. The dancers and performers are also striving to perfect their technique and their artistry. The 2007 shows promise to be an entirely original, authentic and even more beautiful expression of true Chinese culture.
NTD is an independent, not-for-profit, television network founded by Chinese Americans, many of whom emigrated from China and entered professional careers here in the US. Established in 2002 and headquartered in New York City, NTD’s 24/7 comprehensive news, cultural and entertainment programming covers North America, Asia, Europe, and Australia via satellite, and reaches an estimated 200 million people. NTD is also available on channel 32 in lower Manhattan and 15 other metropolitan areas in North America.
In keeping with the spirit of the pluralism, multiculturalism, and innovation of the Tang Dynasty, we at NTD take great pride in showcasing genuine Chinese traditional values and culture to both the West and to the Chinese community. We find it enormously rewarding to help different generations of ethnic Chinese rediscover their cultural heritage and show them there is a lot to be proud of even though so much has been lost in modern times. We believe all our lives can be enriched by programs and events that remind us of our shared values and our common humanity. As Donn Murphy, PhD, President and Executive Director of the National Theatre in Washington, DC says of the NTDTV Chinese New Year Splendor: "This is not only entertainment, but a valuable cross-over cultural event: a strong, gracious gesture toward international understanding, in an all-too-troubled world."
We invite you come to join us for the Holiday Wonders show at Beacon Theatre from Dec. 19 to 24, 2006 and the Chinese New Year Splendor at Radio City Music Hall from Feb. 14 to 17, 2007. Through these shows you will see imperial pageantry, folk customs, spiritual faith, and legends brought to life through art.
Come experience the beauty, elegance, and grandeur of the golden age of Chinese civilization and be a part of the wonder and prosperity of a New Tang Dynasty.
Website: www.ntdtv.com