SALT LAKE CITY, Utah—David Pack, professor and city councilmember of West Jordan, Utah, attended
Shen Yun Performing Arts with his daughter and friend Tina Simpson at the George S. and Dolores Doré Eccles Theater on Feb. 21.
“Outstanding. Phenomenal. The choreography, the costumes, the synchronization of everyone’s steps. Definitely well-rehearsed and an incredible performance,” he said.
Mr. Pack, an award winning producer and performing arts professional himself, appreciated the
orchestra.
“We love the orchestra. We have season tickets to our local orchestra and symphony, and the [Shen Yun musicians] are just spot on. Just a wonderful performance. Such high-quality entertainment on stage and in the orchestra pit.”
Mr. Pack teaches fine arts, communications, and business courses. He commented on the artistry of the performance to tell a story.
“Wonderful. Love the multimedia presentation, the
visual projections, and how all of the imagery on stage horizontally and vertically converge together for a wonderful storytelling event.”
New York-based
Shen Yun Performing Arts was
founded in 2006 by a group of leading Chinese artists who had fled the persecution of China’s ruling communist party. Following the regime’s violent takeover of China in 1949, the country’s traditional culture underwent a period of mass destruction.
Mr. Pack said the performance brought out the divine in everyone.
“I love the idea of
Shen Yun, the divine within us being expressed through dance. I think, especially nowadays, it’s so important to have a multicultural opportunity to learn about different cultures and ethnicities. [This is] a wonderful opportunity to not only be entertained, but educated and uplifted.”
He said the role of art is in today’s society is important and he saw it on stage.
“It helps you to critically think and problem solve. It helps you to express your feelings so that you can understand your own emotions by seeing other people express theirs on stage.”
Ms. Simpson, who teaches 3rd grade, said the
performance was beautiful.
“I love it,” she said. “I love all of the costumes, and the choreography is fantastic. And I really enjoy
the storytelling through the dance. And I just think it’s just wonderful to introduce the Chinese culture through dance, and especially through this
performance.”
She commented on what the stories made her feel. “Sad and also happy. It was very spiritual. I didn’t realize how divinity was such a great part of
the culture. A lot of my familiarity in the Chinese background is from Asian studies in college, so I just didn’t realize how a beautiful interpretation dances through divinity.”
Ms. Simpson expressed her feelings to Shen Yun. “Thank you so much for bringing your culture, and your dance, and the art of Shen Yun to Salt Lake City. [The performers and artists] are just doing a fantastic, beautiful job. I just love it. Thank you.”
Reporting by NTD.
