NORTHRIDGE, Calif.—Mason Dickson, a retired associate television director and editor, saw Shen Yun Performing Arts for the first time on Jan. 17, along with his girlfriend Marcy O'Connell. “It’s spectacular—the ability, the music talent, the dancers, the costumes. It’s a wonderful presentation,” Mr. Dickson said.
With a professional background in television, Mr. Dickson naturally enjoys theater and story-telling. Shen Yun tells stories of ancient legends and modern heroes through the artform of classical Chinese dance, known for its expressive power, which Mr. Dickson enjoyed tremendously.
“I love the presenters telling the story and then seeing the story being acted out [through dance]. I really enjoyed that part.”
Ms. O'Connell, a finance professional, was mesmerized by the lady’s classical Chinese dance featuring Manchurian flowerpot shoes. She said, “I was really in awe of of that. I was just impressed with the talent. They must have trained for so long to be able to do that.”
Shen Yun is a New York-based classical Chinese dance and music company with a mission to revive and present the beauty and culture of “China before communism.”
Mr. Dickson was impressed by this mission and how Shen Yun brings this history to life on stage. “To be able to tell a story of ancient and current China, and the trials and tribulations of what’s going on in a communist country like that ... and how they’re able to bring it to life [is very impressive],” he said.
“I love theater, so I love the dance, the music, the costumes. It was beautiful!” Mr. Dickson said.
Ms. O'Connell summarized her impression with a few words: “It’s very honest, and true, and good, and free, and pure.”
Reporting by Alice Sun and Sophia Fang.
The Epoch Times is a proud sponsor of Shen Yun Performing Arts. We have covered audience reactions since Shen Yun’s inception in 2006.
