NEW YORK—The precision and coordination of Shen Yun Performing Arts’ dancers impressed Janet Crawford, a writer, who saw the performance at the Lincoln Center’s David H. Koch Theater on Thursday April 19.
“[It’s] obvious that the performers are very well-trained, and it was quite impressive how they stay in such a rhythm,” she said.
At the forefront of Shen Yun’s performance is classical Chinese dance—a system that is considered among the most expressive and comprehensive styles in the world—as well as ethnic and folk dances.
“Obviously they rehearse together quite a lot,” Ms. Crawford said. “It’s very effective for the audience to see that level of performance.”
Shen Yun’s website states that classical Chinese dance was handed down over thousands of years and in time, became systematized and carries the essence of Chinese culture.
The dance requires extensive training to master the movements, postures, and “very difficult jumping and tumbling techniques,” the company says.
Several pieces in Shen Yun depict the current, ongoing persecution of Falun Gong—a meditation practice that is based on truthfulness, compassion, and tolerance—in China, and many of the other dance pieces reflect the inherent spirituality of the Chinese people.
“I was very intrigued to see the contemporary piece, with ... Falun Gong,” Ms. Crawford said, adding that “it was interesting to see the reference to the spirituality behind the art.”
‘Very respectful’
Friends Read Free