SHEN YUN PERFORMING ARTS REVIEWS

Executive Director Says ‘Don’t miss it, don’t miss out’ on Shen Yun

Mar 20, 2014
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Executive Director Says ‘Don’t miss it, don’t miss out’ on Shen Yun

THOUSAND OAKS, Calif.—On the evening of March 20, Shen Yun Performing Arts New York Company graced the stage of the Fred Kavli Theatre, presenting magical performances showcasing ancient China’s 5,000 years of history and culture.

Mr. Bill Mena had the good fortune to be in the audience for the performance.

Mr. Mena is the executive director of Healthcare Partners International, a company that specializes in strategic consultancy with a focus on partnering with leading healthcare organizations across the globe.

“I felt as though I was turning back in time, and learning about the culture, more so, and the music, of course, is perfect for their performance,” said Mr. Mena.

He added, “I kind of felt like I was reliving some of the episodes of Chinese history by watching them.”

Shen Yun Performing Arts is a non-profit organization based in New York, dedicated to reviving the 5,000 years of ancient Chinese culture.

Their website says, “Through the universal language of music and dance, Shen Yun weaves a wondrous tapestry of heavenly realms, ancient legends, and modern heroic tales, taking you on a journey through 5,000 years of Chinese culture. Its stunning beauty and tremendous energy leave audiences uplifted and inspired.”

Watching the performance ignited Mr. Mena’s interest in learning more about ancient Chinese culture.

He explained, “I think this gives you a fresher perspective, by offering this kind of display and talent. Actually, it makes you want to learn more.”

“I was trying to absorb as much as I could about the performance, and obviously there’s quite a bit yet to learn about the spiritual messaging that is incorporated into the dance routines, but it was I felt as though I was turning back in time, and I can’t wait for the second half,” he said during intermission.

“I’m delighted with the quality of performers,” he said. “They seem to be well-coordinated, obviously well-trained, and it’s just a pleasure to see them in such great unison.”

He continued, enthralled with the beauty and skill of the dancers, “I’m just most impressed with the talent of these young dancers and performers. They’re in perfect coordination, oh my gosh.”

According the Shen Yun’s website, “Chinese dance is at the heart of what Shen Yun does. Known for its incredible flips and spins, and its gentle elegance, it is one of the most rigorous and expressive art forms in the world.”

The added feature of a digital backdrop draws the audience into the different realms with the performers and made “the whole thing is so real, so realistic,” for Mr. Mena.

The backdrop is a unique feature of Shen Yun, giving a setting to each dance, and interacting with the dancers to create a full theatrical effect.

Each Shen Yun performance is accompanied by Shen Yun Symphony Orchestra, which blends the instruments of the East and West seamlessly into a musical feast for the heart and soul.

“And the music is lovely, and the outfits—oh my God,” said Mr. Mena. “The costumes, unbelievable!”

Mr. Mena was looking forward to analyzing the spiritual aspects of the performance.

“I think that it does give you something to think about,” he said of the spiritual elements in Shen Yun, “because obviously they’ve done it the right way over the years, and it just makes you want to learn more.”

He will tell everyone to see Shen Yun.

“I’ll tell them don’t miss it, don’t miss out,” he said in closing, “because it’s very, very, thoroughly enjoyable.”

Shen Yun Performing Arts closed their run in Thousand Oaks with all shows selling out.

Reporting by Thanh Le and Cheryl Casati

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