DALLAS—Shen Yun Performing Arts’ last show in Dallas, a Dec. 18 matinee, was met with enthusiastic applause throughout the performances at the Winspear Opera House.
Kathy Willingham, a former board member of the Houston Cultural Arts Council, thought the show was “magnificent.”
Her sister bought her tickets as a gift, and Ms. Willingham said she wouldn’t trade them for anything. “It was wonderful, every second.”
The athleticism of the dancers impressed her. The male dancers in “Khata for the Gods,” a Tibetan folk dance, were particularly memorable. The Shen Yun program describes how the dancers “stomp, spin, and soar with joyful, vibrant energy,” when offering a traditional scarf to the gods as a sign of reverence and devotion.
“The young men took my breath away, because they were so strong, yet so poised,” Ms. Willingham said. “And the female dancers—exquisite, and perfection.”
Also in the audience was Mrs. Mercedes Simon, a Junior Cadet Corp teacher, who had been introduced to the show by her daughter, Ms. Sheena Smith. Ms. Smith, a chef, had seen the show last year.
“It’s absolutely beautiful, great,” was Mrs. Simon’s first impression. “It was just breathtaking, absolutely breathtaking.”
She especially enjoyed the storytelling which was incorporated into the music and dance.
“I like the mythical stories—absolutely beautiful.”
Mrs. Simon had recognized the “good defeating evil” theme running through the stories.
Shen Yun presents 5,000 years of the divinely inspired Chinese culture. As Shen Yun’s hosts explained to the audience, this year’s program, in effect, features a “good versus evil” theme found in portrayals of ancient Chinese legends as well as in dances depicting present-day events.
Mrs. Simon spoke about the piece The Choice, which told the story of two good friends in present day China.
“It did impact me. There were so many different emotions,” she said. “It brought tears to my eyes.”
“It was great, everything was just seamless. I'll definitely be back,” Ms. Smith said.
Mrs. Simon agreed. “I’m bringing my husband.”
New York-based Shen Yun Performing Arts has three touring companies that perform simultaneously around the world. For more information, visit ShenYunPerformingArts.org
