SAN JOSE, Calif.—On Dec. 28, college director Nargis Safi attended Shen Yun Performing Arts’ matinee at the Center for the Performing Arts. She was absolutely stunned by the experience.
“It blew my mind. The acting and everything—I can tell that they spent a lot of time rehearsing. Everything was very well coordinated, organized—everything was synced,” she exclaimed.
“It was beautiful, and if people haven’t seen it, they’re missing out. They need to take time to come see it because it was a very good show.”
While listening to Shen Yun’s live orchestra, which blends classical Western orchestration with Eastern melodies and ancient Chinese instruments, Ms. Safi had only one thought in mind: “I want more, give me more. It was really good.”
Based in New York, 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.
Its program is comprised of a series of short pieces that takes its audience on a journey through the dynasties and across China’s vast regions. Using classical Chinese, folk, and ethnic dances, as well as solo musical performances, the artists tell tales from ancient times to the modern day.
Ms. Safi loved the story-based dances and thought they were “very beautiful.” Reflecting on the piece that sheds light on the Chinese Communist Party’s violent persecution of the people of faith, Ms. Safi said, she had no idea it’s still happening in present-day China.
“Not only are [the performers] inspiring us, but they’re also educating us through their movements and through the show,” she added.
Ms. Safi was also captivated by the company’s use of a 3D animated backdrop, which collaborates seamlessly with the dancers on stage to enhance storytelling and create a magical illusion for the audience.
“That was phenomenal,” she said. “It was mind-blowing. I kept trying to figure out how they were doing it, but I couldn’t figure it out. The transitions were amazing.”
Taking the beauty of Shen Yun home with her, Ms. Safi said she will definitely recommend the performance to all her friends and family, telling them that, “They are missing out and they need to definitely attend one.”
“It’s a beautiful show, but it’s also educational and inspiring, and there’s a lot that goes on in the world that we’re unaware of,” she expressed.
“The fact that they’re able to do something so beautiful, but also send out an important message—that’s what makes the show really good.”
