COSTA MESA, Calif.—Shen Yun Performing Arts New York Company made its debut along the Southern California leg of its 2012 World Tour on January 11 at Segerstrom Center for the Arts. Despite being mid-week, the performance was sold out.
Among the audience was former city attorney Bob Burnham and his wife, Kathy, who is executive director of a non-profit organization in Orange County that provides rehabilitation and transitional services for those in the criminal justice system. Both Mr. and Mrs. Burnham have played active roles to support their community.
They were delighted by the performance.
“I love the show,” Mr. Burnham said. “I think it’s spectacular and it’s also very informative. I’m learning a lot about China and Chinese culture and history. So, really enjoying it; especially the dance.”
Shen Yun is a classical Chinese dance and music company that seeks to revive 5,000 years of divinely inspired culture, according to its website.
The performance includes a collection of short pieces that whisk the audience to vivid landscapes throughout the Middle Kingdom, where they are met with dancers who portray legends and stories, both ancient and modern, that define traditional Chinese culture.
Two bilingual emcees explain each piece to the audience, which Mr. Burnham appreciated.
“There is a lot of information being given before the performances so that you’re able to really understand what the performers are trying to convey to you. So, during the performance you get the information and you learn even more about it, through the performance,” he said.
Mrs. Burnham added that the performance makes her want to learn more about Chinese culture.
When asked about the performance, she said, “Oh. I love it! I love it! I really didn’t know what to expect. It was a gift from my father for Christmas and it’s just been an amazing experience.”
Shen Yun currently has three companies, each of which include approximately 90 artists, including a dance company, an orchestra, solo singers and musicians, according to its website.
Mr. Burnham was particularly impressed with the dancers, their movements, and the costumes.
“The athleticism of the dancers is spectacular. The costumes are absolutely gorgeous and the choreography is spectacular,” he said.
Reporting by NTD Television and Albert Roman.
For more information, visit ShenYunPerformingArts.org.
[video]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o3WTKCEA4tE[/video]
