（上接第2期）LATER in class and in their essays, 90 percent of the students said that they had really enjoyed the performances, and that they would like to see other operas. Some said the opera was a traditional Chinese art form, so they should be familiar with it.
I think this is true. Young people are all busy studying and so interested in popular music that they never think of going to see a Chinese opera. They think it is old-fashioned and just for old people. But when they really see it for themselves, relive（重新体验）the interesting stories from Chinese history, and see the graceful（优雅的）ladies in beautiful costumes（戏装）, most of them realize that Chinese opera IS interesting.
Young Chinese must not turn away from the nation’s traditional arts and culture. I encourage you to take your girlfriend to see an opera performance. Get some friends together and have a fun evening enjoying this wonderful art form. I also suggest you invite your favorite teacher or other foreign friends to go to the opera and be their guide. Make sure you can answer their questions about the story and the meaning of the stage props（道具）, the costumes, the face colors, etc. If you select the opera carefully, I am sure you will have a very enjoyable evening.
Many of my students told me that they really enjoyed the evening and many of them later went again alone or with friends to see an opera. This really made me happy!
