SAN JOSE, Calif.—Senior software engineer Vishal Sangal attended Shen Yun’s matinee in San Jose on Dec. 28, drawn by his interest in China’s 5,000-year-old culture. The performance opened his eyes even more.
“It is very touching, and I can see how [China’s past] can actually elevate the spirit. And I think that culture needs to revive,” he said.
Mr. Sangal said the dancers’ technical skill—especially the difficult acrobatic sequences—left a strong impression on him. “Very synchronized. Very, very elegant. I’m loving it,” he said.
Through classical Chinese dance and story-based pieces, the performance brought China’s glorious past to life on stage. Mr. Sangal said he was deeply moved and praised Shen Yun for its efforts to restore and preserve China’s ancient traditions.
“I think it’s a great idea. We should never forget our past, and we should continue to do this, definitely,” he said.
Mr. Sangal explained that it is precisely his interest in China’s ancient civilization that drew him to the performance.
“I always wanted to see what the past culture of China is,” he said, adding that the storylines and their presentation in the dance pieces were engaging to watch.
“It’s always fun to see those parts—how older generations were, what the past was like, and how things came into place. It creates a foundation for what we are today, right?” he said.
Shen Yun’s animated digital backdrops display breathtaking landscapes and vivid scenes of Chinese society, both ancient and contemporary, and are synchronized with the live performance to create a visually engaging experience.
Mr. Sangal said this effect was especially striking in the opening piece, which depicts the Creator descending to Earth.
“That was interesting—very nicely done,” he said, noting that it was the first time he had seen such an effect, which made the scenes on stage feel vivid and real. “That was fun to see.”
Mr. Sangal also expressed appreciation for the dedication of the performers.
“I think they have done a fabulous job, and I love what they have done. I can see that they’ve spent a lot of time and effort learning and practicing a lot. So really, continue to do that. I think that elegance makes the show really good,” he said.
