PHILADELPHIA—Sound technician Jason Kocis watched Shen Yun Performing Arts with his wife two years ago at Merriam Theater in Philadelphia.
Back then, Kocis and his wife were astonished by the dancers’ synchronicity, fluidity, and skill-level. So they were itching to come back.
The couple was finally able to attend the performance at Merriam Theater on March 2 after missing out last year because Kocis was overseas on tour.
“We’re just super excited, and it’s just fantastic as always,” Kocis said.
“The level of [the dancers’] technical abilities [is] just astronomical.”
Impeccable Orchestra
Kocis works in music and concert production for bands, and is himself a guitarist with 38 years’ experience. He was particularly blown away by Shen Yun’s orchestra, which he described as impeccable.“It’s just incredible to hear such talent,” he said of the orchestra’s musicians.
Kocis enjoyed hearing the Eastern sounds play on top of the traditional Western arrangement, an aspect unique to Shen Yun’s orchestra which combines both classical Chinese and Western instruments.
Spirituality
Kocis was also struck by the transcendent theme underpinning the performance, partly due to his own experiences exploring meditation and spirituality in recent years.Meditation is an ancient practice originating from Buddhism that requires the quieting of the mind to achieve spiritual elevation.
Kocis spoke of how meditation has benefited him as an artist.
“It gives you that peace of mind,” he said.
“It gives you that ... plane where you can ... be one with yourself, be able to express yourself fully without distraction.”
“I think that’s key especially for ... performers at this level,” he said.
The musician said it was wonderful to hear that many of Shen Yun’s performers themselves do meditation, as part of their practice of Falun Gong, a spiritual practice consisting of meditation exercises and the tenets Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance.
As to Shen Yun’s mission to revive China’s traditional culture, Kocis was very supportive, particularly after hearing that the performance could not be shown in China.
Having traveled to more than 70 countries for his work, including China, Kocis said he has seen a lot of places where people are unable to freely express their beliefs and ideas.
“I think that’s a fantastic mission and ... I strongly stand behind that.”
