PHOENIX—The moment the curtains opened, the spectacular visual effects of Shen Yun Performing Arts seemed to pull audience members back to ancient China. For over two hours, classical Chinese dancers whisked theatergoers at Phoenix Symphony Hall along a 5,000-year journey, from the tale of creation to China in the modern day.
The combination of sound and special effects felt immersive, “almost to the point where you feel like you’re part of the adventure yourself,” said Heath Macie, a mortgage company VP who saw Shen Yun on Sunday afternoon. “It’s phenomenal.”
Shen Yun’s live orchestra, which blends Chinese and Western instruments, played seamlessly alongside dozens of dancers onstage, all of whom interacted with a stunning, state-of-the-art 3D animated backdrop projection. Using these mediums, Shen Yun takes audiences back to ancient palaces, mythical landscapes, and even the heavens above.
The heavens and spirituality are at the top of Shen Yun’s list of its artistic messages. It aims to bring back the culture that was “almost lost” under China’s officially atheist communist regime. Spiritual practice was once the bedrock of the Middle Kingdom but became persecuted in modern times.
“I really enjoyed today’s message about spirituality and being strong in your faith regardless of any persecution you receive,” said Alycea Anderson, a realtor who also watched Shen Yun Sunday. “The dancing was exquisite, the orchestra was wonderful.”
Now 20 years old, the New York-based dance company has entertained audiences across the globe, though it’s banned from performing in China. Many of its performers practice Falun Dafa, which is persecuted in China. A number of its dance segments even depict scenes of their followers being abused by communist officials.
“I think it’s really sad that people are not able to express their faith the way that they want to and that there’s persecution,” Ms. Anderson said. “My heart breaks for the people of China who are unable to do that.”
Looking at the brighter side, Shen Yun’s rich tales uplift audiences with elegant dances, like Water Sleeves, whose graceful female dancers seem to float weightlessly across the stage. Theatergoers laugh loudly at the antics of the well-known Chinese superhero, the Monkey King, who appears to leap off the stage only to reappear on a digital projection of the heavens.
“The monkey dance was really fun,” Ms. Anderson said. “Loved Water Sleeves.”
Marcus Weaver, a Phoenix-based financial advisor, took in this multimedia experience on Sunday and said, “I had never seen anything like it.” He said he was amazed by the techniques of the dancers, who specialize in classical Chinese dance.
“It’s an impressive thing to watch,” he said, speaking of the style’s assortment of high-flying flips and acrobatic tumbling moves.
Classical Chinese dance is a complete system of performing arts that embodies traditional aesthetic principles. Many of the acrobatics seen in modern gymnastics, for instance, originated from classical Chinese dance.
“They’re amazing at the spins,” Mr. Weaver said. “Just unbelievable.”
