Shen Yun an ‘Interesting window’ Into Chinese Culture

Aaron McGrandle noted that the performance gives a “interesting window into a different culture.”
Shen Yun an ‘Interesting window’ Into Chinese Culture
4/8/2011
Updated:
4/9/2011
SAN JOSE—Shen Yun Performing Arts New York Company played its second of four shows on Saturday, April 9, as it is wrapping up its tour through California.

Aaron McGrandle, an engineer with a high-tech firm, and his wife, Sandra, and daughter Rachel were at the performance, and remarked on the expertise of the dancers as well as the cultural experience of Shen Yun.

“We’re having a wonderful time. I love the female dancers but the male dancers just add kind of a different spice to the show—it’s really good,” Mrs. McGrandle said, noting the ingenuity and colors of the costumes as well.

New York-based Shen Yun seeks to revive the 5,000-year-old Chinese culture through dance, art, and music. The main mode of expression is the art of classical Chinese dance.

“The athleticism is really amazing too. Watching them jump around and dance around,” Mr. McGrandle said. “The stretching they can do—especially the guys ... are just pretty stunning.”

He noted that the performance gives a “interesting window into a different culture,” adding “it’s really neat to see the culture of the Chinese come through.”

Traditional Chinese culture is intertwined with its divinely-bestowed spirituality and Shen Yun seeks to bring it to audiences around the globe, according to the company’s website.

“The emphasis on the spirituality was surprising to me. Beings coming down from both and that kind of imagery. It’s really neat,” said Mr. McGrandle. “I didn’t realize that about the Chinese culture that it is so rich in that kind of stuff.”

The couple’s daughter, Rachel, an aspiring ballerina, summed the show up in one word: “marvelous.”

Reporting by Jan Jekielek and Jack Phillips.

Shen Yun Performing Arts New York Company will perform two more shows at the San Jose Center for the Performing Arts, Sat. April 9-10. For more information please visit ShenYunPerformingArts.org

 
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