NEW YORK—Karen McDonald, a ballroom dance and qigong teacher, said that the Sunday matinee of Shen Yun Performing Arts was enchanting and amazing.
Saying she enjoyed “the beauty of the way” that the dancers in Shen Yun moved, she added that “it’s really a thrill to watch and very engaging.”
Ms. McDonald has over 30 years of experience in ballroom dancing, with over 200 championship titles worldwide. She now teaches qigong, tai chi, and ballroom dance.
Ms. McDonald praised the dancers’ movements and steps, as well as their use of the handmade costumes, and props such as flowers and fans. However, the real substance, she said of Shen Yun is the artists’ inner spirit.
“That’s what touched my heart the most,” she said. “It was easy for me to see the depth and the creativity that came from within.”
One of the three main components of classical Chinese dance, bearing is best described as a particular inner spirit, according to Shen Yun’s website.
“It is formed by a combination of something resembling cultural DNA or an ethnic flavor in Chinese people’s bones, together with the heritage of 5,000 years of Chinese civilization,” explains the website. “Bearing emphasizes internal spirit, breath, intent, personal aura, and deep emotional expression. In essence, the spirit leads form, so that form is imbued with spirit.”
Reporting by NTD Television and Zachary Stieber
New York-based Shen Yun Performing Arts has three touring companies that perform simultaneously around the world. For more information, visit ShenYunPerformingArts.org.
Shen Yun Performing Arts is performing at the David H. Koch Theater at Lincoln Center through April 28.
The Epoch Times considers Shen Yun Performing Arts the significant cultural event of our time. We have proudly covered audience reactions since Shen Yun’s inception in 2006.
