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Segerstrom Center for the Arts, in Costa Mesa. (The Epoch Times)
COSTA MESA, Calif.—“I thought it was beautiful; really inspiring. I’m going to go back to the classroom and tell my students about it,” beamed Louann Silva, who had attended Shen Yun Performing Arts on Friday evening at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts.
Shen Yun, based in New York, transmits 5,000 years of divinely inspired culture through dance, music, and myth.
Ms. Silva, who is an elementary school teacher, said the show was “absolutely educational. Especially for me, as I have many Chinese students in my class. It’s a way for me to connect with them, their history, culture, and tradition.”
From the brilliantly colored costumes depicting ethnic regions or regal dynasties from China’s majestic history, every detail and design stresses harmonic balance and contrast.
“I’m impressed by the ancient traditions, the beautiful costumes and dress, and the colorful sets and stories that are told. It’s very intriguing to me,” said Ms. Silva.
Of the state-of-the-art graphics technology employed in Shen Yun’s digital backdrop, which seems to transports viewers to other worlds, Ms. Silva said, “It’s very unique. I’ve never seen that done before. It’s humorous at times and other times serious and inspiring—very creative.”
Making the strongest impression on Ms. Silva were the classically trained world-class vocal soloists. “The interplay with the soloists and dancers keeps your interests. The soloists were so moving I got the goose bumps at certain points when they hit the high notes. Really, really beautiful. The talent is amazing.”
“As you can see from the audience we have here tonight, all ages will be inspired and learn a lot of things from the show. I’m really happy to be here,” said Ms. Silva.
Concluding her thoughts on the show, Ms. Silva said that she would tell others how impressed she is with the amount of practice and the number of years that went into the performance. “My daughters are dancers and I know what it takes to perform so beautifully like that. Very dedicated.”
Also among the audience at the theater this holiday weekend was Joseph Degraff, a principal engineer at a healthcare company.
Mr. Degraff commented, “I think the show is very beautiful. The dancing is very nice and so is the music.”
“The Yi Dance had beautiful costumes. And the women were elegant with the long sleeves,” Mr. Degraff explained.
While watching the show, he described the experience as “beauty.”
“There’s a lot of beauty to the show,” Mr. Degraff said.
Reporting by Jana Li and Derek Padula.
Shen Yun Performing Arts Touring Company will be at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts in Costa Mesa Jan. 18-20. New York-based Shen Yun has three companies that tour the world each year on a mission to revive 5,000 years of traditional Chinese culture. For more information, visit ShenYunPerformingArts.org
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