TOLEDO,Ohio—“It’s been wonderful,” enthused Ms. Elizabeth Wharton. She joined the near capacity audience enthusiastically welcoming Shen Yun Performing Arts’ return to the Stranahan Theater, Saturday evening, March 17.
The New York-based dance and music company seeks to revive the 5,000-year-old traditions of China and show the “the deeper spiritual core of the ancient culture,” which were destroyed under six decades of communist rule, according to its website.
Mr. Randy Wharton, Dean of the School of Technology at Owens Community College, expressed his appreciation and said, “I’m enjoying it for the pretty show that it is—the music and the dancers.”
Classical Chinese dance is richly expressive, such that the personalities and feelings of characters can be portrayed with unparalleled clarity.
Ms. Wharton enjoyed all aspects of the show. “We’re very much enjoying the whole performance. I find it very entertaining.”
With her background in the educational system, Ms. Wharton focused on the depth of the performance, and felt there was more to learn about classical China. “Learning more about their culture; I think it’s really interesting. It’s interesting to see their way of depicting their history. How their culture depicts history and shows it, and teaches the rest of the people in China.”
In conclusion, she said, “I’m just really glad that they came here to Toledo. It’s very educational and very enjoyable.”
Reporting by Valerie Avore and Jeanmarie Lunsford.
Shen Yun Performing Arts, based in New York, tours the world on a mission to revive traditional Chinese culture. Shen Yun Performing Arts Touring Company will be at the Stranahan Theater in Toledo for one more performance on March 18, and then at the Overture Center for the Arts in Madison, Wisconsin, for two performances on April 4 and 5.
For more information visit ShenYunPerformingArts.org
