KANSAS CITY, Mo.—“Very impressive, very unique, and very talented,” said Joe Blackburn after seeing Shen Yun Performing Arts at the Kauffman Center for Performing Arts, The Muriel Kauffman Theater, on March 28.
New York-based Shen Yun has four companies that tour the globe simultaneously, captivating theatergoers in 20 countries and 100 cities.
Mr. Blackburn is the former owner of Concordia Implement & Farm in Concordia, Mo. “I think they are dong a wonderful job. I am not sure if I am a person to judge this, but I am enjoying the performance. It’s just a very unique performance,” he said.
“All new and marvelous stuff, wonderful,” Mr. Blackburn said.
Shen Yun’s mission is to revitalize traditional Chinese culture through the performing arts. While classical Chinese dance is at the core of its program, it also showcases elegant handmade costuming, digital interactive backdrops, and a full-orchestra.
“So it’s a just very uniquely Chinese,” Mr. Blackburn added. “I ... love the country and love getting to know more about the culture.”
After seeing the performance Mr. Blackburn said he felt: “Like jumping up and dancing.”
Attending with Mr. Blackburn was Larry Olsen. Before he retired, Mr. Olsen was County Executive Director for the US Department of Agriculture in Johnson County, Mo.
“It was very good, very good. First time I have seen actors perform like that. Had no idea where all these acrobatic teams now came from with their routines. It’s started a long time ago, and it’s very impressive,” said Mr. Larry Olsen.
Mr. Olsen was referring to the fact that acrobatic originated from classical Chinese dance. One element of classical Chinese dance, a dance at the heart of Shen Yun, are the technically demanding flips, leaps and spins.
“I don’t want to get up and compete with them and dance with them, but very energetic,” Mr.Olsen said.
Would he recommend Shen Yun to his family and friends? “It was very good, very good, yes. It seems very good and I will,” Mr. Olsen said.
Mr. Blackburn said, “I think anyone would enjoy it, I can’t imagine anyone not enjoying it. So much talent, and expertise, beauty and grace, choreography. Yeah, it’s beautiful.”
Reporting by Cat Rooney and Andrew Darin
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
