KANSAS CITY, Mo.—Shen Yun Performing Arts is a magical journey of 5,000 years of divinely inspired traditional Chinese culture. Heavenly realms, ancient legends, and modern day heros come alive on stage.
Sharon Clymore came with a friend to see this ancient culture. They attended the opening night at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts on April 1. Ms. Clymore loved how the performance made her feel.
China is often referred to as Shen Zhou, The Divine Land, or Middle Kingdom. It is a place where deities and mortals coexisted and a rich culture was believed to be imparted by the heavens.
Shen Yun storytelling is told through classical Chinese dance, a unique orchestra combining Eastern and Western instruments, and interactive animated backdrops.
The performance begins with the creation story from traditional Chinese culture. The Creator calls on divine beings to descend to earth and to fulfill their sacred vows, according to the program. The results are the establishment of the great dynasties of China, their dress and their values and morals for living, and their governance.
In 20 vignettes of dance, music, and song Shen Yun is known to uplift, inspire, and enchant. Everyone has their experiences and takes away something from witnessing this journey.
Ms. Clymore felt like she was floating and lying on a water bed during the performance. “I was so relaxed. But, it also felt like this is what heaven will be. The whole show felt like I was in heaven.”
She explains, “It’s just soft and floating, from the very beginning.” The dancing made her feel that way.
Classical Chinese dance is known for its beauty, gracefulness, and athleticism. The female dancers often look as if they are gliding across the stage or floating on a cloud.
Ms. Clymore particularly liked the dance story called “Fairies of the Sea,” where the dancers’ long fan sleeves were moved to look like ripping waves. The legend is that these delicate fairy maidens are only visible to the purest of heart.
Shen Yun tours six months out of the year with four companies which perform in over 130 cities, 20 countries, and on five continents. A completely different production is created each year.
“I would really like to see every show every year because this is fantastic. It makes me feel new again and born over again,” Ms. Clymore said.
She had no one particular person she would tell to come see Shen Yen because she felt everyone needs to feel relaxed. So, this is for everyone. “Everyone needs to see this program.”
After the performance, Ms. Clymore texted her mother in Scottsdale, Arizona, to tell her the performance was “elegant, beautiful, and magical - all at the same time.” She hopes her mother can go when Shen Yun tours Arizona.
Reporting by NTD Television and Cat Rooney
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.
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.
