SHEN YUN PERFORMING ARTS REVIEWS

Shen Yun, ‘I didn’t see one mistake’ Says Former Ballerina

Feb 17, 2014
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Shen Yun, ‘I didn’t see one mistake’ Says Former Ballerina
Former ballerina Natalie Powers at Shen Yun Performing Arts at the Orpheum Theatre on Feb. 15. (Courtesy of NTD Television)

MINNEAPOLIS—“Tonight’s show was just fabulous—I mean, just bright and vivid and professional—just incredible dancers with lots of artistry,” said former ballerina Natalie Powers after seeing Shen Yun Performing Arts.

“I’ve really never seen so many beautiful colors and precision and enjoyed to watch—completely delightful,” she commented.

The retired classical dancer is now an analyst, but when she finished her professional career in 2008, she had danced for about 30 years. Ms. Powers saw Shen Yun at the Orpheum Theatre on Feb. 15.

“Through the universal language of music and dance, Shen Yun weaves a wondrous tapestry of heavenly realms, ancient legends, and modern heroic tales,” according to the company’s website.

At the heart of New York-based Shen Yun is classical Chinese dance. The comprehensive dance system is unique in its movements, technical demands, and inner meaning.

“Coming from a dance background, I just was really surprised at the core group of dancers, at how well they worked together, and, I mean, honestly, coming from a professional background, I didn’t see one mistake, which is just incredible. Not that that matters if that happens, but it’s always just incredible to watch humans interact that way and be able to be so on point,” she said.

She picked out four of the dances that stood out for her—the one with “chopsticks because of the use of props! I love the lotus flower and then …The Manchurian was really incredible to watch, and I think sometimes the subtle parts to it that were so minimal were really special to watch.”

In Manchurian Grace, the dancers glide on “flower pot” shoes.

As for the music, Ms. Powers thought it was rare and therefore incredible to have a live orchestra accompany the dance. “Love the music because it had many of its meditative aspects, and then it had some bright and open, flourishing aspects,” she said.

Interspersed between dances were vocal and instrumental pieces, which she thought added variety to the entire cultural experience.

She felt it was time well spent and would tell her friends they should definitely come. “Expect a lot, and you will go home, with a very good, happy feeling in your heart,” she said.

Reporting by NTD Television and Sharon Kilarski

New York-based Shen Yun Performing Arts has four touring companies that perform simultaneously around the world. For more information, visit Shen Yun Performing Arts.

The Epoch Times considers Shen Yun Performing Arts the significant cultural event of our time. We have proudly covered audience reactions since Shen Yun’s inception in 2006.