While mentioning the comical “Restaurant Tale” and the beautiful “Plum Blossom in Spring” dances, Avgerinos was emphatic that all the dances in the repertoire were wonderful.
Shen Yun’s form of classical dance, which evolved through dynasty after dynasty, has become one of the world’s most comprehensive dance systems. It also presents ethnic and folk dances that take the audience from the plains of Mongolia to the plateaus of Tibet with a range of unique dance styles.
Avgerinos described his own genre of music as suited for meditation and deep relaxation.
“But I have done Chinese-inspired pieces for 30 years now, especially back in the 80s and early 90s. I did quite a few because I would just dream that I was in the palaces or walking with Lao Tzu listening to the Chinese philosophy and do a piece called ‘Jade Garden’ or the ‘Lotus Blossoms.’ It’s just such a rich tradition. Since I was a teenager, I was fascinated with the Chinese.”
“It’s not easy to combine the Chinese instruments with the Western because the tuning systems are different; the concept of where the notes should be in relation to each other, it’s a little different. It’s tricky but they did a good job. It’s seamless … you forget that you’re hearing a mixture which is excellent,” he said.
“There’s something very special about the ancient Chinese traditions. It’s just so beautiful, and something we can’t lose—it’s priceless. … Because of all the modern life … society is forgetting its fabulous history.”
Technology has enabled an easier and more prosperous mode of living, which is good, said Avgerinos. “But, don’t lose touch with the tradition because that’s what makes us great, the connection with the divine.”
“I think that the essence of … what the fabulous tenor sang, was that our purpose here is to remember that we are divine! That’s very deep—the purpose of human life is to awaken to the divine and it was sung in that song so beautifully. That’s about as profound as you can get,” Avgerinos explained.
“I think it helps to remember [that] people have been struggling with good and evil for thousands of years and they’ve been trying to connect with the divine … it’s important. It gives people a sense of history. You know now things are tough … but it will pass. It’s good to help people to look beyond,” he said.
