LOS ANGELES—“Oh, it’s divine,” said Kenneth Walker, after watching the classical Chinese dance and music show, Shen Yun Performing Arts, at Doris Chandler Pavilion –The Music Center, on Friday, Jan.13.
“I’ve been so intrigued with every aspect of it, all the dancers are amazing,” he said.
Mr. Walker, a hair stylist in the film and television industry, had seen the trailer for Shen Yun on television and called his friend Karen.
“I said, we’ve got to go see this show. So I called and made reservations and here we are,” he explained.
New York-based Shen Yun is dedicated to reviving the 5,000-year ancient Chinese culture through a one-of-a-kind show that includes classical Chinese dance, colorful ethnic and folk dances, and a unique orchestra that blends classical Western music with melodies played on traditional Chinese instruments.
Mr. Walker continued enthusiastically. “And just to see the energy and the love that they have for dance ... and the colors and the costumes, and the greens and the pinks and the movement … It’s totally amazing to see.”
Some of the brilliant costumes in Shen Yun are inspired by the styles from the Tang Dynasty and the ethnic attire of the Manchurian, Tibetan, Dai, Mongol, and Uyghur ethnic groups, says the company’s website.
“Well you know it’s a spiritual kind of thing. It’s a feeling that comes over you like you’re being drawn into something wonderful ... the joy that they have exudes ... it comes across to me,” said Mr. Walker.
Shen Yun’s stories and legends have themes based on ideals such as benevolence, justice, wisdom, and respect for the heavens.
“So just watching them I get excited. I find myself saying little things as they’re dancing,” said Mr. Walker, and he added that he just kept “oohing and ahhing.”
“So it’s good, it’s very, very good,” he concluded.
Reporting by NTD Television and Diane Cordemans.
Shen Yun Performing Arts has three touring companies that perform simultaneously around the world.
Shen Yun Performing Arts New York Company will perform at Doris Chandler Pavilion - The Music Center through Jan. 14.
For more information, visit ShenYunPerformingArts.org.
[video]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o3WTKCEA4tE[/video]
