HONOLULU—Jennifer Barry, a psychologist, and Janice Barry, enjoyed Shen Yun Performing Arts for the first time on May 10, at the Blaisdell Concert Hall. They thought the evening was wonderful and very creative.
“I think it’s so important, especially now with communism, to make sure that the history and the culture of China doesn’t get lost.”
Shen Yun is the world’s top classical Chinese dance and music company. Presenting a brand-new set of programs each year, the company has been delighting audiences around the world since 2006.
Before the communist party’s spread of atheism, Chinese people were very spiritual and had a deep belief in the divine. For thousands of years, their values and day-to-day actions were strictly governed by the teachings of Buddhism, Daoism, and Confucianism.
Reflecting on the spiritual element of the performance, Janice shared that she, too, believes “the audience needs it.”
“I think they need to see that and to hear it, to feel it. These times—to have the divine presence up there—I think it’s very hopeful.”
Janice also loved how the company used a 3D digital backdrop to seamlessly interact with the performers on stage, enhancing the storytelling experience.
“I enjoyed how the dancers disappear over that ledge and then the animated comes up on the screen—I loved it and the dancing was just fantastic.”
Shen Yun artists are highly trained in classical Chinese dance. Dating back thousands of years, it is one of the most athletic and expressive art forms in the world.
The dancers made everything look so easy, but “it’s not easy. It’s incredible, it’s beautiful,” Janice said.
The duo was deeply moved by the piece where the dancers’ long sleeves billowed and flowed like the gentle movement of water on stage.
According to the company’s website, these sleeves were a part of ancient Chinese feminine attire representing humility and grace.
“It’s very happy. I think it’s a very happy feeling, and it represents water. I love water. So, I thought the girls were very good at that,” Jennifer said.
“I would say that it’s a very inspirational, multi-sensory experience. Wow.”
