CLEVELAND—Professors Jennifer Johnson and Larry Parker got a clearer idea of ancient China after watching Shen Yun Performing Arts World Company as it graced the stage, Feb. 1, at Cleveland’s State Theatre.
New York-based Shen Yun brings 5,000 years of Chinese civilization to the world, through both music and dance: classically trained dancers, award-winning singers, and a full orchestra comprised of both Eastern and Western instruments.
“There is a lot most people don’t know about the Chinese culture, not the traditional culture,” said Ms. Johnson, professor of Management at Case Western Reserve University.
Professor Parker, who teaches Accountancy at Case Western, added that we forget that Chinese culture is so much older than our own.
According to Shen Yun’s website, many of the short dances are mini-dramas that use classical Chinese dance to depict “heavenly realms, ancient legends, and modern heroic tales.”
“I like that each one of the dances tells the story,” Professor Johnson said.
Shen Yun’s choreography is known for its impeccable precision and unison movement, and the professors commented on that as well. “I love the colors and I love the orchestration of it, I love the way the dancers are very well coordinated,” Professor Johnson said.
Professor Parker agreed: “It’s a very beautiful, glowing precise performance.”
Professor Parker also loved the colors in the costumes and backdrops. He particularly mentioned that he had never seen images projected on the screen which then seem to come alive onstage as live performers took over the roles.
Each summed up how they felt after performance in a short phrase: “Very entertained,” said Professor Johnson; “Actually, very beautiful, very relaxing,” Professor Parker said.
Reporting by Teresa You and Sharon Kilarski
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.
