NEW YORK, New York — As Shen Yun continues its 14-show run at the prestigious David H. Koch Theater in Lincoln Center, audience members can’t get enough of the show’s dazzling depictions of classical Chinese dance and music. Here’s what theatergoers had to say about the show’s gravity-defying acrobatics, music, and stunning choreography.
Founded in 2006 and based in New York, Shen Yun Performing Arts is the world’s premier classical Chinese dance and music company. The company aims to revive 5,000 years of traditional culture and values through immersive performances that showcase China’s heritage prior to the ravages of communism.
The company currently has eight equally-sized troupes that tour and perform across the globe simultaneously. It puts on a brand new production every year.
‘Phenomenal’
Rosanne, a retired artist and musician, attended Shen Yun’s performance alongside her husband Bill on April 5. “I think it’s phenomenal,” said Rosanne. “This is an ancient, beautiful culture that I had no clue about. It was so amazing and I got chills after seeing it. This is the greatest thing; I’m so moved by it.”
When asked what stood out to them in particular, Bill said, “I liked the peacock dance and I thought the costumes and dancing were amazing. They must have spent hours making all these costumes.”
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“The men’s classical dancing was amazing too,” said Bill, who works as a special-ed teacher focusing on children with autism. He added that he enjoyed seeing where traditional acrobatics stem from. “A lot of people take these forms of flips and martial arts and use them in their own culture,” he said, “So it was nice to see where they originate from.”
Acrobatics and tumbling, as showcased in many contemporary performances, have deep roots that trace back to ancient China. Classical Chinese dance, in particular, is a cultural form that dates back thousands of years and combines dance, martial arts, and theatrical expression to showcase a wide range of styles, emotions, and agility.
“I can’t get over it, it’s such a blessing to attend this show,” said Rosanne. “Human beings have to come from a place of love. Humans are God’s creations and we need to love each other. It doesn’t matter where you come from, we’re all human beings, and we can really either make or break whatever is going on in the world.”
She added, “We would never have met each other [if it wasn’t for the show] and this is truly so special. This was so awesome; there’s nothing better than people understanding that we’re all human beings that have hearts and souls. I was raised to believe in a greater power.”
‘Bridges a gap’
Steve and Sarah, both accountants, attended Shen Yun’s performance in Lincoln Center on April 5. “The show bridged the gap between Asian culture and others,” said Steve, who told reporters that he “loved the athleticism” of the dancers and that he was looking forward to seeing the show with a friend who unfortunately passed away recently.
“It was incredible,” the pair said. “We saw the ads and billboards and had promised ourselves to come see it.”
Shen Yun’s performances also educate audiences on important social and political issues taking place in China today. The performances aim to raise awareness on human rights’ issues to provide a unique perspective on the human spirit and the importance of not taking certain freedoms for granted.
The shows are also complemented by a live orchestra that combines both classical Chinese and Western instruments to take audiences on a soul-stirring journey through time and space.
‘A wonderful blend of talent and creativity’
“I enjoyed the show; I think there’s a wonderful blend of creativity and talent among the dancers and singers,” said Simona Rossano, who attended the show on April 5 alongside her friends Claudia and Luigi. “There’s a really nice blend of arts and we really appreciated and enjoyed every minute of it.”
When asked what stood out to her the most, she said “There was dance and acting at the same time so you can really get the storyline while enjoying the dancing.”
Shen Yun’s use of a high-tech integrative, digital backdrop brings scenes from different dynasties, celestial realms, and ethnic regions to life; each performance is also guided by two emcees who explain each segment in both English and Chinese — making it more accessible to a wider audience.
Rossano, who hails from Italy, has lived in New York for almost 20 years. “In Italy, we also have a wonderful tradition in music and opera, so we really enjoyed [seeing Shen Yun]. I think it’s really wonderful to share the beauty of art, cultures, and diversity.”
She added, “It’s important to have appreciation for different cultures and values and I think this show brings out a lot of values that are important for human beings and for the world, especially in this time.”
When asked if the trio shared any favorite moments that stood out to them, Claudia said, “There is so much beauty and I wanted to point out that the aesthetic of the whole show, which was very colorful, beautiful, and elegant, was something that really stood out. This elegant way of moving and using the body was very impactful.”
When asked if she had any favorite dance pieces, Claudia said, “I loved the female dancers’ water sleeves — it was so original the way they used the costumes and made them dance. The sleeves became an extension of the body.”
“I really liked the discipline and [how] everyone was synchronized to perfection,” said Luigi. “I really enjoyed it. I also liked learning about traditional Chinese culture.”
Shen Yun will perform at Lincoln Center through April 13. For more information, including tickets, seating, and availability, please visit the official website here.
With reporting by John Dong.
