ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.—For a former New Mexico state senator, an evening with Shen Yun provided an enjoyable opportunity to learn more about traditional Chinese culture.
Mr. Bill Davis is a bankruptcy lawyer and served two terms in the state senate of New Mexico. With three lawyer friends, he attended a performance of the Shen Yun Performing Arts International Company at Popejoy Hall in Albuquerque on March 5.
Albuquerque is one of more than 100 cities Shen Yun visits on its global tour. The Shen Yun artists are enthused by the mission to revive traditional Chinese culture and values through music and dance. Shen Yun is based in upstate New York and was founded in 2006.
The foundation of Shen Yun is classical Chinese dance, “a complete system of dance embodying traditional aesthetic principles with its unique dance movements, rhythms, and inner meaning,” according to the Shen Yun website.
Mr. Davis said he especially appreciated the dancers’ talent and skill. He said he and his friends were impressed “how fast they can move and how fast they can spin.”
Classical Chinese dance is uniquely characterized by difficult aerial jumping and tumbling techniques that dancers need to acquire through arduous training.
Mr. Davis said he enjoyed the beauty of the costumes. Many audience members point out Shen Yun’s colorful and detail-rich costumes that are created each year anew. While some are inspired by different styles in China’s dynasties, others reflect one of China’s ethnic groups. For example, the design pieces for “Dancing for the Gods” demonstrates the Tibetan attire in its beauty and practicality.
Reporting by Fany Qiu and Christian Watjen
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 Popejoy Hall in Albuquerque, New Mexico, March 5–6, and at the Orpheum Theatre in Phoenix, Arizona, March 10. For more information, visit ShenYunPerformingArts.org.
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