ESCONDIDO, Calif.—Giovanna Cabrera, dancer and choreographer was delighted after seeing Shen Yun for the first time at a matinee at California Center for the Arts on Feb. 27. In good humor, she said, “Their jumps, their tumbling makes me so jealous. It’s just such a fantastic job. The way they move their body is just so beautiful, and it’s such a joy to watch.”
According to the Shen Yun website, “All these jumping, turning, and flipping techniques, along with the exquisiteness of the bearing and form, give classical Chinese dance special expressivity.” Besides technical skills and tumbling, classical Chinese dance also includes bearing, “which emphasizes internal spirit, breath, intent, personal aura, and deep emotional expression. In essence, the spirit leads form, so that form is imbued with spirit.”
From her professional perspective, Ms. Cabrera said, “I think that these ladies have a lot of hours behind them, and I think that they have a lot of hard work and dedication put into those hours.” It has paid off. “That has definitely shown the profit because they have done an excellent job.”
Shen Yun tells stories from Chinese history, contemporary history, myths and legends. Ms. Cabrera responded to the narrative dance. “Just the vibrancy, the history, I think the stories resonated with me.”
The artists intend to revive Chinese civilization. “Many of the tales and characters depicted in Shen Yun dances draw inspiration from ancient records and classics. Based on documented historical events, these stories give abstract ideas—like loyalty, filial piety, selflessness, and tolerance—a concrete form”, according to the Shen Yun website.
The dancer had one last thing she wanted to say, in Chinese, “Wo ai Shen Yun!” or “I love Shen Yun!”
With reporting by NTD Television
New York-based Shen Yun Performing Arts has four touring companies that perform simultaneously around the world. For more information, visit Shen Yun Performing Arts.
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.
