Shen Yun ‘Brings clarity and light from darkness’

Mr. Coates, who noted that the dancers’ handwork is just as important as the footwork, said the show had a “message of truth ... which brings clarity and light from darkness.”
Shen Yun ‘Brings clarity and light from darkness’
3/24/2012
Updated:
8/14/2015

WASHINGTON—Shen Yun Performing Arts brought its bright and colorful performance to the Kennedy Center Opera House on Saturday, March 24.

Waland Coates, an administrative officer at Capital Technology Services, described the performance as “amazing plus, fantastic plus, every adjective I can think of ... It was fantastic, it was wonderful.”

Shen Yun aims to revive traditional Chinese culture through the arts, using classical Chinese dance as its medium, according to the company’s website. The dance is quite complex, but has an unparalleled beauty that resonates with audiences.

Mr. Coates, who noted that the dancers’ handwork is just as important as the footwork, said the show had a “message of truth ... which brings clarity and light from darkness.”

“It brings truth to mind, it clarifies doubt. I think it was a wonderful message,” he said.

Shen Yun draws upon stories and legends from China’s history, which is said to date back 5,000 years, the company says. Many of the stories in the performance have a moral tale and convey the values of the culture.

“Even though it’s kind of foreign to me, I still feel related to it. It’s an artistic connection—the art is a spiritual transmission so you feel the art,” Mr. Coates said.

Created in New York in 2006, Shen Yun has toured throughout the world, visiting more than 100 cities, but cannot be shown in China, the company says.

“I'd recommend it to anybody, everybody and all people,” Mr. Coates said.

Reporting by NTD Television and Jack Phillips.

Shen Yun Performing Arts, based in New York, tours the world on a mission to revive traditional Chinese culture. Shen Yun Performing Arts Touring Company will perform at The Kennedy Center Opera House, Washington, D.C., through April 1.

For more information visit ShenYunPerformingArts.org