PITTSBURGH—The positive energy of Shen Yun Performing Arts was felt by Mrs. Denni Glickman, a commercial artist, and her husband Mr. Corey Glickman in Pittsburgh on Friday.
The performance, which features classical Chinese dance accentuated by other artistic elements, was “very inspiring,” said Mrs. Glickman, after viewing Shen Yun at the Benedum Center for the Performing Arts, where it received a standing ovation.
“It was beautiful and athletic, and graceful, and just very inspiring,” she continued.
“I thought the show was very soulful, a lot of spirit. A lot of high interest in culture,” said Mr. Glickman, a technologist.
Shen Yun, based in New York, tours the world reviving ancient Chinese culture through performing arts, according to the company’s website.
“Through the universal language of music and dance,Shen Yun weaves a wondrous tapestry of heavenly realms, ancient legends and heroic modern-day epics,” states the website. “Shen Yun presents themes of compassion and courage with stunning beauty and tremendous energy, leaving audiences uplifted and inspired.”
“It was very inspiring to see the types of ideas and concepts that have been around for a very long time, are still being understood, and the tradition is still going on,” said Mr. Glickman, referring to the meaning of the performance. “Sometimes we forget that dance are really stories to remember things, and it was very powerful for me.”
A number of dances in Shen Yun convey a story or legend passed down throughout Chinese history, often with a moral tale or an underlying message.
Shen Yun roughly translates to “the beauty of divine beings dancing,” and brings the virtues of China’s ancient culture to life through dance and music—steeped in a belief that the inner beauty and purity of each performer reflects through their art.
“I thought the representation of the creator was fabulous. It [had] so much positive energy, and very uplifting, and very part of life,” Mrs. Glickman said. “You know that there was somebody actively watching people and life. I thought that was a really neat portrayal of him being so happy and positive, a real positive force. I really enjoyed that.”
Yet the performance also includes dances from Mongolians—where the dancers balance bowls on their heads—Tibetans, and other ethnic groups from across China. Every dance is complimented with a digital backdrop that are windows into different realms, according to Shen Yun’s website, as well as an orchestra the combines both classical Western and Chinese instruments.
“I know my kids would love it, next year we have to bring them,” Mrs. Glickman said.
“It was also entertaining,” said Mr. Glickman. “Which is why when we talk about we would bring our children, is they would, I think, get a lot out of it.” The combination of high-technology backdrops and dancing makes for an “extremely engaging” viewing experience, he added.
Ms. Glickman was also impressed with the costuming in Shen Yun—which features Tang Dynasty and Han couture, and regalia representing various ethnic groups.
“Everything from the costumes, to the movement … was really gorgeous,” she said.
With reporting by NTD Television and Jack Phillips.
Shen Yun Performing Arts International Company will perform in Pittsburg until Feb. 3. Shen Yun Performing Arts, based in New York, tours the world on a mission to revive traditional Chinese culture. For more information, visit ShenYunPerformingArts.org
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