NEW YORK—Shen Yun Performing Arts impressed those who saw it at Lincoln Center’s David H. Koch Theater on Saturday
“I’m so glad I came,” said Ellen DeMaio, retired vice president and branch manager for the Bank of New York.
“The colors are beautiful. The [company] is so talented. It’s just a shame that it’s closing tomorrow and that it only came back for a couple of days,” she said. “I had a wonderful time and I would see it again should they return.”
New York-based Shen Yun tours the world with the mission of reviving traditional Chinese culture, the company says. Much of this culture was destroyed under decades of communist rule in China.
Classical Chinese dance—one of the most expressive and comprehensive styles in the world— is at the heart of the performance, combined with an unique orchestra, and colorful costumes and scenery.
“The colors were so beautiful in all of the productions,” she said, adding that Shen Yun’s combination of different elements as a whole “is just outstanding.”
‘Absolutely Lovely’
Eric Fisher, the president of a software company, was similarly impressed with the performance on Saturday.
“It is absolutely lovely. I have never seen anything like it,” he said.
The company’s digital backdrop that is brilliantly colored and takes audiences to different areas and time periods caught his attention. “That was especially interesting. It caught me by surprise,” he said.
“Inspired by 5,000 years of history, these spectacular landscapes truly reflect China’s multifaceted geography, society, regions, and dynasties,” according to Shen Yun’s website. “Some scenes even transcend this world, entering a heavenly palace were fairies dance amidst mystical clouds or peering into the solemn majesty of a Buddhist paradise.”
Mr. Fisher said Shen Yun gives a good glimpse into the culture of China. “It is very relatable,” he said. “It does a good job of bridging Western and Eastern culture.”
Reporting by Alec Wang, NTD Television, and Jack Phillips.
Shen Yun Performing Arts, based in New York, has three touring companies that perform simultaneously around the world, with a mission to revive traditional Chinese culture. Shen Yun Performing Arts Touring Company will perform at the David H. Koch Theater at Lincoln Center through April 22.
For more information, visit ShenYunPerformingArts.org.
