Montreal’s artistic community came out in droves to welcome Shen Yun Performing Arts back to their city. The New York-based company’s popularity has skyrocketed in recent years and tickets are increasingly harder to come by.
Well known for its love of the arts, Montreal has shown special appreciation for Shen Yun. All five performances at Place Des Arts were sold out ahead of time, and snowy conditions and freezing temperatures didn’t keep theatregoers away.
Elegance in Movement
Chinese Classical dance is one of the most comprehensive dance forms in the world and there is no performing arts group in recent times that has taken it to the level Shen Yun has. Those who know dance have a special appreciation for the technical skill of Shen Yun’s dancers.
Nathalie Parmentier has danced ballet and contemporary dance for nine years, but she experienced a whole new world of dance at the Jan. 6 matinee show at Place des Arts.
“They’re just so flexible, I couldn’t believe it, like they’re bending in half. It was amazing actually,” she said, adding that the performers were perfectly in character.
“It’s just the grace that they have, they really portray it. … They’re just doing the dance, and that’s all that matters at the time.”
A Divine Sound
Shen Yun’s musical component adds a dimension to the performance that lends itself to the complete package. The orchestra, which combines Chinese and Western instruments, seamlessly blends with the performers on stage creating a unique audial and visual experience.
