WASHINGTON—On Jan. 7, Shen Yun Performing Arts received a warm welcome as the company opened the first of its 10-show run at the Kennedy Center Opera House. Among those in attendance was Malaysian diplomat Syed Aminy, who was excited to experience the performance for the first time.
“It’s so mesmerizing,” he said during intermission.
“It’s amazing. The show was very acrobatic. The moves were so smooth. I can’t imagine how difficult it is to do,” he said. “They do it so easily, but I can’t imagine how much practice they have to do [to achieve] that.”
According to the company’s website, the classical Chinese dance seen in China today is heavily mixed with military and modern styles. Only at Shen Yun can the audience experience it in its purest form, preserved as it was passed down through generations.
Mr. Aminy especially enjoyed the piece where the dancers’ long sleeves billowed and flowed like the gentle movement of water on stage. These sleeves were a part of ancient Chinese feminine attire, representing humility and grace.
“It’s elegant, and it looks nice when you have [them] synchronized together,” he said.
Shen Yun’s Stagecraft ‘Was Very Interesting’
Also in attendance was James Durkee, a retired defense attorney who had seen Shen Yun several years ago. He was pleased to see that the company presents a brand-new set of pieces each year.
“The stagecraft was quite new to me, that was very different,” he said. “The combination of the animation that transitions to the live show—that was very interesting.”
Shen Yun’s innovative digital technology creates seamless interaction between the backdrop projection and the performers on stage. By extending the stage to infinite realms, this patented 3D invention brings to the audience “storytelling without limits.”
Overall, the performance left Mr. Durkee with a warm and uplifting feeling.
“It’s an extraordinary presentation of art, and I feel that it’s peaceful. It’s very relaxing to watch and to absorb the artistry.”
