FOLSOM, Calif.—Michelle Thelen, a certified public accountant, and her daughter, Payton Naves, a dancer, came to see Shen Yun Performing Arts on Jan. 6 at the Harris Center.
“I think it’s amazing. The dancers are beautiful, singing’s great, orchestra’s great. Everybody’s very together, really good show, a lot of energy, it’s beautiful,” Ms. Thelen said.
Shen Yun, based in New York, is on a mission to present “China before communism,” and revive people’s connection with 5,000 years of Chinese civilization and culture.
“I think it’s great. It’s really nice getting education out there for people, and it’s unfortunate that China wouldn’t be able to see [Shen Yun], but I think it’s great to be able to educate everybody,” Ms. Thelen said.
Shen Yun puts on an all-new production each year, bringing to life Chinese tradition, history, literature, myth, and legend.
“I really enjoyed it, like getting the history, the culture, it’s really nice. I’ve enjoyed it a lot,” Ms. Thelen said.
Shen Yun’s artists are trained in classical Chinese dance, one of the most comprehensive dance systems in the world.
“Their technique is beautiful. It’s nice when they jump; you don’t hear them when they land, which is what you want. So technique-wise and everything, they look stunning up there, all very together, very precise. It’s amazing. They did an outstanding job,” Ms. Naves said.
Shen Yun’s use of its digital backdrop is patented. The versatility of the technology allows the set to change scenes in the blink of an eye, giving the stage endless possibilities.
“I think it’s neat incorporating live [dance] with the animation. I think that’s very imaginative, very unique,” Ms. Thelen said.
Shen Yun’s website says, “the backdrop allows storytelling without limits.”
“That was awesome. I wasn’t expecting it, so for me it was a really nice, pleasant surprise. I was really excited, and it was very engaging,” Ms. Naves said.
