REGINA, Saskatchewan—New York-based Shen Yun Performing Arts staged its first ever show in Regina’s Conexus Arts Centre on Sunday afternoon, April 19, introducing the culture-rich city to a wealth of Chinese cultural traditions.
“It’s really colourful, I love the music,” said Mrs. Tomyn, a Regina public school principal, during the show’s intermission.
“The performers are so flexibile and athletic. They are really beautiful and graceful. I am really enjoying it.”
With her was her husband Mr. Looysen, who, before retiring, was also a school principal. Mr. Looysen said that he was also enjoying Shen Yun a great deal.
“I think it’s a combination of intricate coordination, and the designs are something else. Also the colours and the effects they are getting from time to time with the background scenery is something too. All in all, it’s quite enjoyable.”
He added that the coordination of so many performers really stood out for him.
“The amount of work it takes to put something like this together—I appreciate that type of thing.”
“And I like the history,” added Mrs. Tomyn. She said the show’s two hosts did a good job of introducing each program, many of which are legends from China’s rich 5,000-year history.
“They are very nice together, they compliment the show, and I enjoy them,” she said.
While the couple said they were taken with the dance and music, the “extras” that were added on top of that pushed the performance up another notch in their esteem.
“Any time you go to a performance like this, you look for things that are entertaining, and besides the actions themselves and the performances, you look for extras. That is why I mentioned the background scenery, the moving objects, and the scenery that becomes part of the actual set, and just the colours of the costumes,” said Mr. Looysen.
The animated backdrops, unique to Shen Yun, are custom-designed to coordinate with the costumes, choreography, lighting, and storyline for each dance.
“It just keeps you in tune with what is going on, you just can’t lose interest, you are always looking for what you might be missing if you are not paying attention. I’m really enjoying it. … I don’t want to miss anything,” said Ms. Tomyn.
“We weren’t quite sure what to expect when we came, what kind of performance it would be. We’re pleasantly surprised and certainly happy with what we are watching,” concluded Mr. Looysen.
Shen Yun Performing Arts has now finished the Canadian portion of its 2009 World Tour but will be holding more shows in Australia and the United States.
The Epoch Times is a proud sponsor of the Shen Yun Performing Arts 2009 World Tour. For more information please visit ShenYunPerformingArts.org
