MONTREAL, Canada— “I find it extraordinary,” said retired teacher Yvon Vachon of the Shen Yun Performing Arts production he attended at Place des Arts in Montréal on Jan. 7.
It’s the fourth time that Mr. Vachon, who was a high school teacher and pastoral counselor, has seen the renowned performance that presents China’s authentic traditional culture that has been formed over the Middle Kingdom’s 5,000-year history.
Each season, New York-based Shen Yun produces an all-new show and brings it to audiences around the world.
“It’s the fourth time I’ve come and every time I realize it’s new, and in fact that’s why I’m bringing back a lot of program books, to give them to friends,” said Mr. Vachon.
“I find it very, very beautiful. Wonderful!”
In the past, Mr. Vachon sat on the balcony. This time, he chose the fifth row back from the stage on the main floor, which gave him a bird’s eye view.
“Being this close, you can see the physiognomy, the faces, the expression. I can’t get over the smiles from the dancers all the time, it’s wonderful. They’re really good actors and dancers,” he said.
Shen Yun features mainly classical Chinese dance, and ancient art form that includes difficult spinning, jumping, and tumbling techniques. The show is rounded out by ethnic and folk dances representing China’s many dynasties and regions, as well as award-winning solo vocalists who sing in the bel canto style.
Mr. Vachon said he was impressed with all aspects of the performance.
“Everything—the dance, the agility, the acrobatics, the elegance. You can see it’s classic, very classic. So I find it very beautiful. It’s a contrast with all the modern dances and it really touches me.”
The heart and soul of China’s ancient culture can be found in principles such as compassion, justice, and respect for the heavens, as explained on the Shen Yun website. Shen Yun endeavors to bring these values out in the performance.
“It makes me realize that there’s not only the material, but also things that come from above. And yes, there are nice values there—values that make you think, [such as] spirituality, respect. It really touches me on that aspect,” said Mr Vachon.
It’s really, really beautiful.”
Reporting by NTD Television and Joan Delaney
New York-based Shen Yun Performing Arts has four touring companies that perform simultaneously around the world. Shen Yun’s World Company finished its Montreal performances on Thursday and will now go on to Hamilton, Ontario. For more information, visit ShenYunPerformingArts.org
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.
