OTTAWA—The stage of National Arts Centre was graced with classical Chinese dance, as Shen Yun Performing Arts opened in Ottawa on Monday, Dec. 19.
Gilles Plouffe and his family received their early Christmas gift Monday night at the National Arts Centre. Mr. Plouffe, chief of security at Place de Portage with the Corp of Commissionaires, and his family saw Shen Yun Performing Arts after his son Raymond had suggested seeing Shen Yun as a way to bring their family together.
“Something magical happened because we’re so happy. We come out of there with a smile, and in awe”, said Mr. Plouffe.
“We’re really appreciative … It was our Christmas gift to each other, and my Christmas gift to my family so being there together was fun.”
The magic extended off-stage, he said. Mr. Plouffe shared that, Raymond, who is autistic was able to understand the entire program.
“I thought it was so great to see such young talents with such a level of maturity. It was beautiful. It was entertaining and everything, it made you forget your own little problems,” Mr. Plouffe said.
The history of 5,000 years of ancient Chinese traditional culture comes to life on stage through colourful performances, according to the company’s website. Some of the performances tell a classic story, accompanied by animated backdrops that whisk the audience away.
Shen Yun transported Mr. Plouffe to “another world,” he said, adding that the show was enjoyable for his entire family. While in this world, he added, “you forget your own little sorrows, your own little pains, and your troubles of during the day.”
“All the effort that goes into not just the dancing, but the music, the choreography, the history that we heard here, it was impressive,” he said.
Shen Yun Performing Arts kicked off the premiere of the Canadian tour in Ottawa on Dec. 19. Based in New York, Shen Yun seeks to revive traditional Chinese culture rooted in values like benevolence, honor, propriety, wisdom and sincerity, a culture all but destroyed under communist rule in China.
With reporting by Susan Chan and Julie Valdrez
Shen Yun has three companies touring the world. The Shen Yun Performing Arts International Company will perform at the National Arts Centre from Dec. 19–23. For more information visit ShenYunPerformingArts.org
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