GLASGOW, UK—Richa Goel, a watercolour artist and educator, saw Shen Yun Performing Arts on Feb. 5 at the SEC Armadillo.
Seeing Shen Yun made Ms. Goel think about the way people receive art. While some art is for the senses, she believes that Shen Yun “touches deep inside the soul.”
Shen Yun, based in New York, is on a mission to present “China before communism,” and revive people’s connection with 5,000 years of Chinese civilization and culture.
From an artist’s eyes, Ms. Goel could really appreciate how the colors in Shen Yun worked so well together.
“It’s really amazing! Incredible. All the color combinations. Because I’m an artist. I was just seeing the color combinations,” she said.
She was also impressed with Shen Yun’s costumes and said that the “Water Sleeves” dance left an impression on her.
“The music was really calm, and it did touch deep,” Ms. Goel said.
She was especially impressed with how Shen Yun is able to perfectly time each moment between the dancers, the musicians, and the animated backdrop.
Shen Yun’s use of its digital backdrop is patented. The versatility of the technology allows the set to change scenes in the blink of an eye, giving the stage endless possibilities.
“That’s really amazing! The screen and how they are transforming. And it’s a live orchestra, right? There is no background music. That is really breathtaking. It’s really good how they’re managing all the things,” Ms. Goel said.
And just as Shen Yun’s artists followed the path they believe in, Ms. Goel concluded that Shen Yun “has a deep message for the audience. I feel that the message is to follow your path.”
A part of Shen Yun’s path is to be the voice for those who have been silenced in China.
Shen Yun’s dance stories portray the modern true story of Falun Dafa practitioners being persecuted for their faith in China. Falun Dafa is a peaceful practice that teaches the principles of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance.
“They’re also telling the story of the refugees and how they are living on their path and following it and spreading their message all over the world. So, it’s nice,” Ms. Goel said.
