MESA, Ariz.—Shen Yun Performing Arts had a powerful impact on two theatergoers on Sunday.
Edson Allen, a retired vice president of corporate communications and his wife Loretta Allen enjoyed the matinee performance of Shen Yun at the Ikeda Theater.
“It’s outstanding! No one should miss it. Such creativity,” said Mr. Allen.
“It’s wonderful, fantastic,” said Mrs. Allen. “The precision is awesome and the beauty of each of the individuals is astounding.”
Shen Yun combines one of the most ancient dance forms in existence with a unique orchestra, digital backdrops, and colorful costumes to bring China’s 5,000 year old culture on stage, according to the New York-based company.
“Through the universal language of music and dance,Shen Yun weaves a wondrous tapestry of heavenly realms, ancient legends, and modern heroic tales, taking you on a journey through 5,000 years of Chinese culture,” states the website. “Its stunning beauty and tremendous energy leave audiences uplifted and inspired.”
Mr. Allen said the digital backdrop caught his eye, particularly during the dance Sand Monk is Blessed, where the screen and stage become completely interactive.
“When that man came out of the water and that splash! The way the dancers are going, disappearing, and up in the air, the timing is absolutely meticulous! Nobody misses a beat,” he said.
Through mini-drama dance pieces of less than 10 minutes each, Shen Yun presents different ethnic dances as well as stories and legends from across China’s vast cultural lexicon.
“The creativity is awesome,” said Mrs. Allen.
Mr. Allen appreciated the costuming, saying one piece with especially colorful costumes was “the most creative dance performance I’ve ever seen.”
After spending his career in advertising and public relations, Mr. Allen said Shen Yun “communicates in a different way—it’s so beautiful.”
“I had tears in my eyes the first few numbers; I just couldn’t believe it was so beautiful,” added Mrs. Allen.
“I don’t know how to express it,” said Mr. Allen. “It’s just awesome. I just sit there and watch. It’s hard to explain. We’re going to see some friends afterward for dinner tonight and I wonder how I’m going to explain what I’ve seen. This is such exceptional dance. It’s not just dance, it’s the backdrop, history, such talent.”
Reporting by Flora Ge and Maria Banks.
New York-based Shen Yun Performing Arts has three touring companies that perform simultaneously around the world. Shen Yun Performing Arts International Company is performing at the Ikeda Theater in the Mesa Arts Center in Mesa, Ariz., March 2–3, and the Orpheum Theatre in Phoenix, Ariz., March 10. For more information, visit ShenYunPerformingArts.org
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