FRANKFURT, Germany—Shen Yun Performing Arts New York Company brought ancient Chinese traditions back to life last weekend at the Jahrhunderthalle in Frankfurt am Main, showcasing classical Chinese dance and music.
The New York-based performing arts company is dedicated to the revival of traditional Chinese culture, and as well as classical Chinese dance, presents ethnic and folk dance, music and song, short stories depicting Chinese myths and history, and divine realms.
Attending the matinee performance on Saturday March 31 was Ms. Xuyen Truong Hubner, an economist at Deutsche Bank, who said she grew up in Germany and feels far removed from her Asian heritage. “But, this show helped me gain understanding of the Chinese culture,” she said. “The show was marvelous.”
Shen Yun draws upon traditional values, embodying both physical grace and beauty as well as deeper spiritual, philosophical messages.
“If one believes in what we saw today, then one can believe that everything has meaning, no matter where one lives. One has the feeling that a path has been opened, which returns to the beautiful culture,” she said.
“It is good to know that if one experiences problems in life that there is something there one can lean on. It all makes sense,” she added. “Shen Yun brings back hope.”
Ms. Truong Hubner was impressed with the dance. Shen Yun’s main medium of expression is classical Chinese dance, which according to the company, is one of the most comprehensive dance systems in the world.
“The dancers were phenomenal,” she said. “Their depiction of stories opened my eyes to new things I didn’t know existed. For me, the show was a wonderful journey into China’s culture. Each piece was perfect.”
Ms. Truong Hubner also enjoyed the music. The Shen Yun Orchestra combines classical Western and traditional Chinese instruments to create a “fresh, unexpected sound,” says the company.
“The orchestra was wonderful. It was great to listen to a live orchestra,” she said.
Reporting by Alexander M. Hamrle
New York-based Shen Yun Performing Arts has three touring companies that perform simultaneously around the world. Shen Yun Performing Arts International Company will next perform in Stockholm, Sweden from April 4-6.
For more information, please visit ShenYunPerformingArts.org.
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