“I think it’s quite a brave performance,” said Ms. Tarrant. “The reason for the arts is to speak. I think it is really important that the artists go on stage and make those statements.
“I love that dance can say things that you can read in many different ways.”
The Tibetan dance, Khata for the God, was also wonderful, she said. In this dance, the dancers step and stomp, spin and soar with joyful, vibrant energy. In their hands they hold the Khata, a traditional scarf presented to guests. Here they offer it to the gods as a sign of reverence and devotion, says the program book.
Sleeves of Silk was also notable for Ms. Tarrant. “The way they handled those sleeves, I know how hard that is,” she said.
She expressed her admiration for the technical aspects in the dance, adding that the dancers were very beautiful.
Performing classical Chinese dance, with its hundreds of poses and movements, as well as the many complicated and difficult flips and tumbling techniques, requires systematic training. Alongside ballet, classical Chinese dance is one of the most comprehensive dance systems in the world, according to the company’s website.
Shen Yun’s performers received an enthusiastic ovation from the audience as well as two curtain calls which brought to an end a very successful evening.
Reporting by NTD Television and Diane Cordemans.
Shen Yun Performing Arts, based in New York, tours the world on a mission to revive traditional Chinese culture. Shen Yun Performing Arts New York Company will perform one more time at Wellington’s St. James Theatre, April 24.
For more information, visit ShenYunPerformingArts.org.
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