LAS VEGAS—Reynolds Hall, located in the prestigious Smith Center, welcomed cultural aficionados to see Shen Yun Performing Arts, which is wowing audiences around the globe with comments like “spectacular, amazing, soul-stirring.” Among those who shared the same sentiments on Sunday, March 17, were Nick Gutknecht, president of Design 1 Associates, and his wife Susan.
“I think it’s magnificent. It’s everything that I hoped it would be,” said Mrs. Gutknecht.
Through the universal language of dance, music, and song, Shen Yun takes you on a journey through 5,000 years of Chinese culture, visiting a Tang dynasty battleground, the Shaolin monastery, the plains of Mongolia, mythical tales, heavenly realms, as well as present-day China.
Mrs. Gutknecht enjoyed all of the dances, especially Dancing for the Gods. “This dance takes place amidst the cold and harsh Himalayas as the Tibetans express a spirited beauty in the face of adversity,” says the program book.
“Beautiful!” said Mrs. Gutknecht.
Shen Yun’s costume artists take meticulous care with their detail work, creating an astounding effect on the entire production.
“Beautiful … the workmanship is outstanding. [The costumes are] just gorgeous. … I’m so enthralled. I’m thrilled to be here to watch it,” said Mrs. Gutknecht.
“Every costume in a Shen Yun performance is presented with brilliant colors, displaying a splendid spectacle,” says the website.
“The costumes are just phenomenal,” said Mrs. Gutknecht, with Mr. Gutknecht adding, “The colors are absolutely gorgeous.”
Classical Chinese dance embodies rich, sophisticated movements allowing the artist to express the essence of the story through precise form, while Shen Yun’s team of digital artists create intricate animated settings, letting the imagination roam into far-off worlds.
“I think it’s incredible … the dancing is phenomenal,” said Mr. Gutknecht. “The integration between the people and the background is awesome,” saying that it adds character to the performance.
China’s ancient culture is presented through the expressive dance pieces, offering an inside look at the country’s 5,000 years of continuous history.
Mr. Gutknecht had no doubt that he gained insight into a culture he hadn’t previously known and turned to his wife saying, “I’m sure you feel the same way.” Mrs. Gutknecht agreed.
“The sense of beauty and authenticity of their living shines in their dance. There’s something that we very seldom have a chance to see in our normal life, in the news media here, or the things they’re producing,” said Mr. Gutknecht.
Mrs. Gutknecht felt the stories presented through dance were very clear, adding that if Shen Yun returns next year, “we'll see it again.”
This being Mr. Gutknecht’s first exposure to Chinese culture, he agreed with his wife that Shen Yun “did an excellent job of making the presentation.”
“I think they did a beautiful job, absolutely beautiful job”, adding that “by all means” they would come back.
“This is one of the highest priced shows we’ve been to here [Reynolds Hall],” said Mr. Gutknecht. “I didn’t know quite what to expect, but I’m not disappointed at all. Really enjoyed it.”
The Shen Yun Orchestra has developed a special sound by incorporating classical Chinese instruments with traditional Western symphonic instruments, which serves to bring the entire production to new heights.
Mr. Gutknecht was amazed to learn that Shen Yun’s orchestra was led by female conductor, Antonia Joy Wilson. Born in Oxford, England, Ms. Wilson made her debut as the youngest woman to conduct a major American orchestra and has since enjoyed an extensive international music career. Mr. Gutknecht said, “She does a very good job.”
Both Mr. and Mrs. Gutknecht enjoy music “a great deal and come here [Reynolds Hall] very often,” adding that “next month we'll be here three more times for various shows.”
“They [the Shen Yun Orchestra] do a beautiful job. The music is lovely,” said Mrs. Gutknecht.
While the Gutknecht’s have seen many performances and are regular attendees at Reynolds Hall, Mr. Gutknecht added that “this is certainly outstanding.”
“Dance is one part of human culture. Classical Chinese dance is grounded in 5,000 years of divinely inspired culture, and is an art form built upon a deep foundation of traditional aesthetics. Classical Chinese dance is rich with expressive power,” according to its website.
“I love the grace of the dance; it doesn’t matter if they are male or female, they are so graceful,” said Mrs. Gutknecht.
When Mr. Gutknecht suggested that men couldn’t be as graceful as women, his wife replied, “Yes they are! Some of the leaps they are doing? Wow!”
Reporting by Lu Rusong and Maria Banks
New York-based Shen Yun Performing Arts has three touring companies that perform simultaneously around the world. For more information, visit ShenYunPerformingArts.org
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