As Time Goes By
In March, 2009, the company travelled to China as part of a cultural and educational exchange program performing As Time Goes By; Sounds and Dance from the USA. The travel was organized and brought to China by Dr. Song Yang, vice-chairman of the board of the US-China Cultural and Educational Foundation, and Lindsey Robison, president of Messiah Project, Inc. Dr. Yang also served as interpreter and tour guide to places such as The Great Wall, Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, and various local attractions.
The touring concert of dancers, aged twelve to thirty-three, and choir members from the Messiah Choir performed in several cities: Beijing, Chengdu, Kunming, and Chungqing. Venues for As Time Goes By; Sounds and Dance from the USA included local universities, the opening ceremonies of the annual Peach Blossom Festival in Kunming, and Chengdu Arts Center, along with several outdoor theatres.
After one concert we had the privilege of talking with an audience member that simply said,
“You all have something different. I want to know what it is.” A college girl approached me after the first performance in China and told me she was President of the Debate Club at the University. She told me that she used to think the best way to communicate was with words but now knows differently. She said, “I can see inside of them when they dance!,” to which I responded, “Let me tell you what it is you see inside of them!”
… Awesome experience! One of the highlights of my life, actually!
