SHEN YUN PERFORMING ARTS REVIEWS

Former Record Producer Enjoys Shen Yun’s Musical Variety

Mar 03, 2014
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Former Record Producer Enjoys Shen Yun’s Musical Variety
Shen Yun Performing Arts World Company's curtain call at the Wang Theatre at Citi Performing Arts Center, on March 1, 2014. (Edward Dai/Epoch Times)

BOSTON—Margaret Wilson found everything about Shen Yun Performing Arts more than she could ever imagine. She said it was “absolutely exhilarating, just to sit and watch it.”

She attended the Sunday matinee at City Wang Theatre with her son Chris Wilson, a retired record producer, and his wife Susan Eleney.

“I’m enjoying this so much,” said Mrs. Eleney, explaining that the performance tickets were a Christmas gift to her mother-in-law.

Ms. Wilson said she felt exhilarated by Shen Yun’s classical Chinese dance, which is highly expressive, but also includes difficult tumbling techniques.

“You’re transported to another world,” said Mrs. Eleney of the colors, the movement, the stories, and the history presented by Shen Yun. She added that Shen Yun seemed to allow the audience to continue to learn from ancestors.

The New York-based company was founded in 2006 with a mission of reviving China’s traditional culture through music and dance. Shen Yun’s dances are varied, and include ethnic and folk dances, and story-based dances. A unique orchestra combining modern Western and ancient Chinese instruments accompanies the dancers.

“I like the music a lot and I like how the music fits the dance, especially the pieces where they do percussion with it,” said Mr. Wilson, a former vice president of A&R at Rounder Records.

He commented on the harmony of the Mongolian Chopsticks dance, where male dancers flick chopsticks against their body as part of the performance.

He added that he found the combination of classical and Chinese influences together very interesting. “I love it,” he said, adding that he was glad the group went.

Reporting by Kerry Huang and Ananda West

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.