ADELAIDE, Australia—Graphic designer Ms. Jachimowska graduated from the University in Poland with a masters degree in fine art. While majoring in Japanese culture, she became interested in Asian culture. She was in the audience at Adelaide’s Entertainment Centre on April 6, for the first Shen Yun Performing Arts Adelaide show in its 2009 World Tour.
“I loved the music. And also I loved the dance, probably more than the music, but also the costumes. I’m pretty arty, and ... it looked great, an amazing arrangement.”
The use of colour and technology was also a pleasant surprise for Ms. Jachimowska. “Oh, the colours! That was very good. The way it’s done, and the computer using the sort of graphics and the animations. I didn’t expect that. I was thinking of the old kind, rather than using the technology, so that was a surprise. It’s a lot of tradition and culture, but on the other hand, the actual set blends into the background,” she said.
The breathtaking digital backdrop at each Shen Yun show brings classical Chinese dance into the 21st century, giving each scene an added depth and grandeur. Each backdrop is custom-designed to match a given dance’s costumes, story line, lighting, and even choreography.
The costumes worn in the show are always a highlight for audiences, and Ms. Jachimowska was impressed with the design. “I’m not a costume designer, but I think the costumes are very good. Every single costume is just amazing,” she said.
Having never experienced classical Chinese dance, Ms. Jachimowska particularly enjoyed the dance elements of Shen Yun, and also commented on how the translation of song lyrics from Chinese to English enabled her to understand the stories being portrayed. “I learned a little bit more about these stories. The way they translate the lyrics, it’s very classical, but it’s [also] very poetic.”
While it is in classical Chinese dance that the Shen Yun artists have their foundational training, the New York-based company’s performances include Chinese ethnic and folk dance, providing a unique vision of Chinese traditional culture.
Shen Yun brings Chinese culture to life through song and story-based dance that convey the deeply moral and spiritual traditions of ancient China.
The Epoch Times is a proud sponsor of the Shen Yun Performing Arts 2009 World Tour. For more information please visit ShenYunPerformingArts.org
