VANCOUVER, Canada—Shen Yun Performing Arts, the New York-based dance company that tours the world showcasing Chinese traditional culture, wowed the audience on Friday night in the first of a four-show run at Vancouver’s Queen Elizabeth Theatre.
Rick Asre, who owns his own flooring business, and Sheila Kumar, a marketing director with World Financial Group, were both delighted with the show.
“I think it is great,” said Mr. Asre during the intermission.
“It was fascinating. Very mystical, very traditional,” said Ms. Kumar. “I really enjoyed the Great Wall of China. That was something, and it was one of my dreams to see it. But the way the show is being presented is very breathtaking.”
Mr. Asre said he especially enjoyed How the Monkey King Came to Be and Joyful Little Monks.
“I thought that was so cute at the end when they looked back. They were very playful,” said Ms. Kumar.
The Shen Yun Performing Arts Orchestra brings together two of the world’s greatest classical music traditions in a combination of Chinese and Western instruments—something that impressed Ms. Kumar.
“I think that’s great, having a live orchestra,” she said. “The music, the timing and everything is just perfect. … The mixture and the fusion, it really is something. The traditional and Western complement each other.”
“I love it,” said Mr. Asre. “First time seeing a live orchestra.”
They also enjoyed the classical Chinese dance presented in the show and the colourful handmade costumes, which include designs ranging from those of emperors, ministers, and generals to the everyday clothing of the common people.
“The costumes are breathtakingly beautiful. The way it’s coordinated overall I give them an A-plus,” said Ms. Kumar.
Founded in 2006, Shen Yun is dedicated to the mission of reviving the authentic, divinely inspired culture of China, a 5,000-year-old heritage that has been all but lost following six decades of communist rule.
The New York-based company tours the world each year with an all-new program of mainly classical Chinese dance rounded out by Chinese ethnic and folk dance, along with original songs and musical compositions.
“After seeing the overall show, the way they carry themselves, the poise and all—everything is so immaculate, the timing is perfect, and the way it’s been choreographed it’s just something,” said Ms. Kumar.
Shen Yun has three companies touring the world. The Shen Yun Performing Arts New York Company will continue at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre until Feb 5.
For more information visit ShenYunPerformingArts.org
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