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.”
“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.”
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.”
“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.”