HOLLYWOOD, Calif.—Two musicians, drummer Frankie Luis and singer Josie Cotton, attended Shen Yun Performing Arts for the first time at the Dolby Theatre on May 3.
“There was not one thing I would change about this whole show,” said Ms. Cotton. “I really think that.”
While some aspects of classical Chinese dance may look similar to acrobatics, such challenging flips and tumbling techniques originated from the classical dance system itself, according to the company.
As musicians, Ms. Cotton praised the sound quality of the performance, and Mr. Luis said the live orchestra “was amazing.”
“I just liked the orchestra pieces individually and how they blended them together, and how incredibly in sync they all were with each other,” Mr. Luis said. “I can imagine being in the orchestra ... you can’t exactly look at the performers, but they were all so in sync with each other, and it was flawless.”
Mr. Luis was also impressed by the interactive projected backdrop, which makes the dancers appear to leap into the scenery and perform super-human feats, providing a three-dimensional aspect to the performance.
The couple also enjoyed the vibrant costumes, which are designed for each storyline and time period, and complement the dance movements.
“So well done, everything,” Mr. Luis said.
Ms. Cotton said she was surprised to see a message from Shen Yun of “individual freedom to not be affected by totalitarian regimes and to have freedom of expression.”
“I thought that was a beautiful thing,” she said. “It was very inspiring.”
“Thank you. You’re amazing. You’re strong,” Mr. Luis said.
“Thank you for your excellence,” Ms. Cotton said.