WASHINGTON—A professional dancer for many years, Ms. Payne has toured the world and performed in many dance companies.
She felt a resonance and appreciation for the Shen Yun Performing Arts dancers, who travel the globe each season to present Chinese culture to audiences in more than 90 cities.
“I thought it was absolutely beautiful,” Ms. Payne said after the show at the Kennedy Center Opera House on Saturday night. “I thought the dancers were just beautiful, very well trained.”
China was once known as “Shen Zhou,” or “Land of the Divine” as belief in Gods, Buddhas ,and Daos was the way of life. Shen Yun revives this on stage through Chinese classical dance, music, and song.
“I like the spirit of the program,” Ms. Payne said. “I like the message of the program and the choreography. It’s just lovely.”
Ms. Payne said Shen Yun gave her a deeper understanding of traditional Chinese culture. “It just gave me a richer understanding.”
“I have a great appreciation,” she said. “The leg extensions were beautiful. And I love the design, the costumes, the way it flowed with the movement, of course it was choreographed specifically for that.”
Ms. Payne now teaches children pilates, ballet, modern dance, theatrical dance, yoga, and Tai-Chi.
“I like the words of the songs that were written on the backdrop. I enjoyed it all. I truly did.”
“I think they are all beautiful with their own unique style, and I certainly enjoyed the Chinese style very much,” she said. “I thought everything was just gorgeous. I think I just love them all.”
Shen Yun is performing one more show at the Kennedy Center on Sunday Aug 30. They will return to the venue from January 20 to 24, 2010 with completely new programs.
For more information please visit ShenYunPerformingArts.org
