SHEN YUN PERFORMING ARTS REVIEWS

Shen Yun Costumes Created ‘A Grace That Is so Gigantic,’ Says Renowned Clothing Designer

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Shen Yun Costumes Created ‘A Grace That Is so Gigantic,’ Says Renowned Clothing Designer
Manuel Cuevas and Ofelia Vazguez enjoyed Shen Yun's matinee at the Tennessee Performing Arts Center on Feb. 25, 2024. NTD

NASHVILLE, Tenn.—Renowned clothing designer Manuel Cuevas has designed signature looks for Johnny Cash, Gram Parsons, and Porter Wagoner. His impressive portfolio also features dressing four U.S. presidents, two Mexican presidents, and notable artists like Picasso and Dali.

On Feb. 25, Mr. Cuevas and his wife, Ofelia Vazquez, attended Shen Yun’s matinee at the Tennessee Performing Arts Center. They loved the performance and thought it was “very satisfying.”

“Art is one of the grandest things in my life. I have always loved art and artists since I was a tiny little baby,” Mr. Cuevas said during intermission. “This is my first time [attending Shen Yun,] and I just love the dancers. I love the way they just fly all over the place. I’m satisfied with art. It fills my heart.”

Based in New York, Shen Yun Performing Arts is the world’s top classical Chinese dance and music company.
According to the company’s website, the classical Chinese dance we see in China today is heavily mixed with military and modern dance styles. Only at Shen Yun can you find it performed in its purest form—the way it was originally passed down through the generations.
Mr. Cuevas thought Shen Yun’s costumes were fantastic. He loved the director’s choice of colors.

“They’re fantastic, honestly. [The costumes] created a wind that is so beautiful, a grace that is so gigantic. It’s something I could never do in my life, but I’ll tell you—I admire that,” he expressed.

“Beautiful dancing, beautiful dancing. I’m very captivated by the images of all the dancers. They’re like little soldiers—all even and beautiful.”

Founded by leading Chinese artists who had fled the persecution of the communist regime, Shen Yun performers have made it their mission to revive and share with the world China’s 5,000 years of divinely inspired culture from the pre-communist era.

Mr. Cuevas, who has been to China three times, is quite familiar with Chinese culture. He urged Shen Yun’s artistic directors to “really come out and show what they do.”

“I know they are the most gracious people that I’ve ever seen in my life. I just love it. I love every country in the world.”

Ms. Vazquez, too, enjoyed herself at the matinee. She thought the performance “is very inspirational and everything is just perfect.”

“They’re very creative and beautiful. Keeping your roots and tradition, I think, is very important, especially for young generations in order for them to know who they are,” she added.

“I think [Shen Yun] is doing a great job. It’s amazing what they’re doing, and I love the show. I love expression and the show is so expressive. The costumes are amazing. Beautiful. We’re really enjoying it.”

Reporting by NTD and Jennifer Tseng.
The Epoch Times is a proud sponsor of Shen Yun Performing Arts. We have covered audience reactions since Shen Yun’s inception in 2006.
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