‘It’s spectacular,’ Finance Manager Says of Shen Yun

“They’re phenomenal,” said Ms. McGlennon of the orchestra, adding that she also liked the “very lively” animated backdrops.
‘It’s spectacular,’ Finance Manager Says of Shen Yun
Ashley McGlennon and John Smith during the intermission of Shen Yun's performance at the National Arts Centre on Dec. 30, 2012. (Crystal Yin/Epoch Times)
12/30/2012
Updated:
10/1/2015
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OTTAWA, Canada—The gracefulness of the dancers was just one of the many things Ashley McGlennon enjoyed about the Shen Yun Performing Arts show she attended at Ottawa’s National Arts Centre on Sunday afternoon.

“It’s spectacular—the culture and the stories. I really appreciate all the different stories,” said Ms. McGlennon, a finance manager with the government.

She particularly enjoyed Ancient Elegance, a dance in which graceful female dancers deftly wield long, silken sleeves.

“I really liked the sleeves, the extensions of the costumes. I liked that a lot.”

New York-based Shen Yun presents mainly classical Chinese dance rounded out by Chinese ethnic and folk dance and original songs and musical compositions. The performance features a collection of story-based dances or mini-dramas that aim to capture the essence of traditional Chinese culture.

Ms. McGlennon’s companion, John Smith, liked the show’s portrayal of China’s authentic traditional culture—a culture that has been greatly eroded as a result of communist campaigns such as the Cultural Revolution.

“I really liked the way that they took the culture with the colourful elements … I think they did a very good job,” he said.

He added that the performance presents “a positive outlook … giving more of the pre-communism side of the Chinese culture and Chinese history.”

Shen Yun has taken on the mission of reviving Chinese culture and its traditional values, and to that end has brought the show to over 100 cities around the world, according to its website.

“The live orchestra was beautiful,” said Mr. Smith.

“I think they’ve done a magnificent job of capturing the essence of Chinese culture. I think it almost feels like it’s part of the dance. I don’t see the difference between the dancers dancing and the music playing. I think it all works very well together.”

“They’re phenomenal,” said Ms. McGlennon of the orchestra, adding that she also liked the “very lively” animated backdrops.

“I would definitely recommend [the show],” said Mr. Smith.

“The live orchestra was beautiful,” said Mr. Smith.

“I think they’ve done a magnificent job of capturing the essence of Chinese culture. I think it almost feels like it’s part of the dance. I don’t see the difference between the dancers dancing and the music playing. I think it all works very well together.”

“They’re phenomenal,” said Ms. McGlennon of the orchestra, adding that she also liked the “very lively” animated backdrops.

“I would definitely recommend [the show],” said Mr. Smith.

Reporting by Crystal Yin and Joan Delaney

New York-based Shen Yun Performing Arts has three touring companies that perform simultaneously around the world. Shen Yun’s New York Company will be in Ottawa until Dec. 30 before going on to Montreal, Toronto, and other cities in eastern Canada. For more information, visit ShenYunPerformingArts.org

 

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