TORONTO—In the nearly 10 years that Shen Yun Performing Arts has been coming to Toronto, former long-time Senator Consiglio Di Nino has only missed the performance once.
“It’s a lovely show, it’s truly very impressive,” Mr. Di Nino said about Shen Yun.
Mr. Di Nino was appointed to the Senate in 1990 and served for over 21 years, leaving the upper chamber in 2012. Over the years he has played an active role in a number of charity initiatives, community organizations, and human rights causes.
He watched Shen Yun’s 2015 performance at the Sony Centre for the Performing Arts on Wednesday evening.
“The sets are magnificent—it’s one of those impossible things to achieve which this show has achieved—the costumes are gorgeous, the dancing is magnificent, it’s really a wonderful experience.”
Based in New York, Shen Yun was formed in 2006 by a group of leading classical Chinese artists who wanted to revive China’s divinely inspired culture. Being based outside of China, the company enjoys artistic freedom and can freely bring China’s treasured traditions to the stage.
“The other thing I like about [Shen Yun] is that it does talk about ... that there are some fundamental rights that are being denied to the Chinese people in China, and I think this is a good way to remind the world that China is not allowing the same freedoms that we enjoy here,” said Mr. Di Nino.
Classical Chinese Dance
Shen Yun’s website explains that classical Chinese dance has an ancient history going back thousands of years. The art form was perfected over time as it was passed down from dynasty to dynasty and from one generation to the next.
Some of the elements that make classical Chinese dance unique are its demanding flips and spins, as well as its expressive power.
“I think that it’s also another component of the artistic beauty of the Chinese expression of dance in a very formal manner—I don’t think the world knows this so I think Shen Yun brings that to the fore,” said Mr. Di Nino.
“I think the spectacle, the show itself is pleasing, it’s beautiful to see, it’s wonderful to hear, but also the artistic excellence of the performers is very impressive.”
Mr. Di Nino invited all Canadians to see Shen Yun.
“Come and see it, you will be truly impressed and you will enjoy it very much.”
Reporting by NTD Television
New York-based Shen Yun Performing Arts has four touring companies that perform simultaneously around the world. Shen Yun’s International Company will perform in Toronto until Jan. 25. For more information, visit ShenYunPerformingArts.org
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.
