MISSISSAUGA, Canada—Shen Yun’s presentation of traditional Chinese culture at Mississauga’s Living Arts Centre on Saturday afternoon delighted Daisy Talob-Simonetti, the director of the Parkview Children’s Centre in Burlington, Ontario.
”It was absolutely wonderful. I was so glad that I could take my young daughter and my husband with me. It was really great,” she said.
“And my daughter loved it. She was tugging on my arm, ‘This is great mommy.’”
Alongside long-cherished legends told through classical Chinese dance, Shen Yun showcases folk and ethnic dances presenting China’s rich diversity—all to the music of a live orchestra with a unique blend of Chinese and traditional Western orchestral instruments.
Ms. Talob-Simonetti said she was moved by the music.
“The music was just lovely, it was beautiful, and I think there were times I started to get emotional and I started to feel teary-eyed just because I love music so much. It really brought the stories alive.”
“I think it’s part and parcel to the performance,” she said.
Shen Yun stages mainly classical Chinese dance, a tradition with a history of thousands of years, passed down and enriched dynasty after dynasty. Many of the dances performed draw on that history, presenting mini dramas based on legendary figures, myths, and historical accounts.
“The storytelling was great and I really liked the presenters, the hosts introducing each scene—that was great.”
Ms. Talob-Simonetti also loved the costumes, which are all originally designed, handmade and represent traditional attire, ranging from those of emperors, ministers, and generals to the everyday clothing of the common people.
“The costumes were incredible and they were just beautiful to look at,” she said, adding that the vibrant colours made her feel “really excited.”
She said that while many parts of the show impressed her, she particularly liked Mongolian Chopsticks, a Mongolian traditional dance in which the dancers use chopsticks to create a crisp, staccato beat.
“I liked the rhythm and the movement. It was so lively, very exciting.”
With a name that roughly translates as “the beauty of divine beings dancing,” New York-based Shen Yun brings together dedicated artists from around the world to fulfill its mission to spur a renaissance of the true, traditional Chinese culture.
“I think it’s a wonderful way to present the Chinese culture and to get people to come out and connect through music and dance. I think it really tugs at a lot of people’s hearts,” said Ms. Talob-Simonetti.
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 will give four sold-out performances in Mississauga before heading to Toronto on Jan. 23. 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.
