LOS ANGELES—Shen Yun Performing Arts graced the stage of the elegant Dorothy Chandler Pavilion on Friday, Jan. 13, where theatergoers were eager to celebrate China’s majestic 5,000-year-old heritage, presented in classic Chinese dance, music and mythology.
Among the audience was Mayor Jim Dear of Carson, in Los Angeles county. He had seen a Shen Yun performance previously and recognized a similar theme, but with all new performances.
“That makes it entertaining,” he said. “It’s really important that people are open to learning about different cultures, and when we have beautiful performances, that opens up their mind and heart.
“I thought the show was wonderful. I really enjoyed myself today. I’m very grateful that this performance takes place in the Los Angeles area. I know there are several performances this week and I was lucky to get a ticket.”
Mayor Dear explained his interest in Shen Yun, saying: “Not only am I the Mayor of the city of Carson but I’m also a history teacher. I can really appreciate the value of history and why the future of the world depends on us understanding and learning history, and knowing why things have happened and why we’re in the situation we’re in today.
“I have an appreciation for Chinese culture. Learning about the folk tales and the actual goings-on of China today, ancient history and modern times, is very educational,” he added.
“I’m very impressed with the 5,000-year history and all the rich cultural learning and values that are really part of traditional Chinese culture. It’s very important because I believe we are on earth to help one another. I think the Chinese culture in general follows the basic theme that we should work together to always bring joy, education, a sense of well being and happiness,” he said.
Commenting on the tenors, sopranos and other award-winning vocalists performing piano-accompanied solos, and the erhu, a two-stringed instrument that can produce stirring melodies, Mayor Dear said: “There was a lot of diversity today ... I certainly appreciate the piano and individual singers. I really like that instrument [the erhu], it’s very soothing. It helps you be in touch with your own humanity, to experience beautiful music.”
“I understand the spiritual element of the performance enhances it and makes it relevant to people here in California. I think that’s really important,” the mayor observed.
He agreed that Shen Yun, which literally translates as the beauty of divine beings dancing, may have a special destiny with the city called “The City of Angels,” as it has been here eight times.
“The fact that it’s a sold out performance every time is testimonial to not just the quality of the performance, but also the message,” he noted.
“I’m looking forward to next year when the performance comes back to Southern California. I'll tell my friends about it.”
Reporting by Jenny Liu and Masha Savitz.
New York-based Shen Yun has three touring companies that perform simultaneously around the world. Shen Yun Performing Arts New York Company will next perform in San Diego Jan 19-22.
For more information, visit ShenYunPerformingArts.org.
[video]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o3WTKCEA4tE[/video]
