VANCOUVER, British Columbia—A senior manager for a large financial planning company in Vancouver who has spent a lot of time in theatres, said of Shen Yun Performing Arts’ Saturday evening performance at Queen Elizabeth Theatre, “This company is obviously very well rehearsed, and there wasn’t a glitch in the whole performance.
“The whole package was very well done,” said the manager who also used to be on the board of directors for the National Arts Center in Ottawa.
Shen Yun specializes in Chinese classical dance, which includes story-based dance and tumbling techniques that were later borrowed by gymnastics. Each dance is accompanied by live orchestral music that includes instruments from the East and the West.
“It was great. The choreography was fantastic. The blending of traditional Chinese instruments and Western classical instruments was great.”
Shen Yun prides itself on its presentation of traditional Chinese culture. The content and music evoke the grand style and cultural themes of China’s 5,000-year history.
“Your imagination can run wild. Being Causasian, your exposure to Chinese history is somewhat limited.
“Obviously, you are influenced by Hollywood and different media. But when you come to this show, you’ll get to feel the traditional, without the liberties that Hollywood would take.”
As a young boy, this arts lover was involved in martial arts. He has some previous background in Chinese culture and its associated myths and legends. “I thought the Monkey King [The Monkey King Triumphs] and Mulan [Mulan Joins the Battle] were quite exciting to see,” he commented.
Calling the interaction of the visual backdrops with the performers on stage “amazing,” “entertaining,” and “very visual.” He remarked on how “you are drawn into the show.”
Shen Yun attracts Chinese and Caucasians equally. The aesthetics connect the cultures.
“I think the professionalism and the fact that it was so seamless, was quite entertaining, and kept the audience involved,” remarked the financial analyst.
After completing its seven-show run in Vancouver from April 3 to April 8, Shen Yun Performing Arts will perform in Calgary, Edmonton, and Regina.
For more information, please visit ShenYunPerformingArts.org
