NEW YORK, New York — On March 26, Shen Yun kicked off a 14-show run at the prestigious David H. Koch Theater in Lincoln Center. Theatergoers reported being delighted with the show’s vibrant dancing, choreography, and dazzling displays of art, song, and music.
Founded in 2006, Shen Yun Performing Arts is the world’s premier classical Chinese dance and music company. The company, which is based in New York, aims to revive 5,000 years of traditional culture and values through immersive performances to showcase China’s authentic heritage prior to the ravages of communism.
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‘So moving’
“Seeing the traditional dance was breathtaking, honestly,” said Julianna Angrono, a second grade teacher specializing in social studies and math. “I learned new things along the way and I teach ancient Asian civilizations to my students. So I’m excited to share this with them tomorrow.”
Angrono also shared with reporters that she was pleased to learn more about the depth of classical Chinese dance and the influence it’s had on other dance and art forms. “Learning about how the flips and things they do is actually a part of ancient Chinese dance was very interesting,” said Angrono. “I didn’t know that.”
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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.
When asked about what other parts stood out to her, Angrono said, “Honestly, the music — the music was so moving,” she said, adding, “We were talking about how beautiful the music is and seeing the two-string instrument was so impressive and amazing.”
Shen Yun’s performances, which are complemented by a live orchestra that combine both classical Chinese and Western instruments, take audiences on a soul-stirring journey through time and space.
One of the featured instruments – the erhu — that Angrono pointed out is a two-string instrument from ancient China that can depict a wide range of musical sounds and emotions. From the gentle flow of a river, a mist-covered mountain, or the energetic bustle of a market day, the erhu can produce a variety of rich, expressive, and deeply resonant tones.
Angrono added, “I’ve never heard of that instrument before or seen it. So yes, it was really amazing.” She also pointed out that the opera “was beautiful” and said she appreciated learning about each dance piece. “[I liked] when the hosts would come on stage and share a little bit of the history and what the dances were about.”
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.
“[The show] inspired me to actually go home and learn more about ancient Chinese culture and dance and to just learn to be more inspired, happy, peaceful, and calm,” said Angrono.
‘Dancing in the clouds’
The Mejia family, hailing from South America, told reporters that they thoroughly enjoyed the show and admired the “beautiful” acrobatics, dancing, and music.
“It was so beautiful,” said Luis Carlos Mejia, who attended the show with his daughter Angelica and his mother Fanny. “We really enjoyed it and I wouldn’t mind coming back with my other daughter.”
When asked about what stood out to them the most, Luis Carlos said, “I liked all of them, and can’t remember which one I enjoyed the most.” The family noted that one of the pieces depicting the performers “dancing in the clouds” was a standout moment. “That was one of the best,” said Fanny, adding, “I really enjoyed the soprano too and was so impressed with the flexibility of the dancers.”
Shen Yun’s award-winning dancers, musicians, and acrobats — who hail from all over the world — make up the company’s eight performing arts troupe that tour and perform across the globe simultaneously. Shen Yun puts on a brand new production every year.
‘They were floating on air’
“I think it’s wonderful,” said Rosemary Rescigno, who attended the show with her husband Charles. “I couldn’t wait to see it and I’m definitely happy I did.” When asked about what stood out to her the most, Rescigno said. “The grace. It was just so amazing. It’s like they were floating on air rather than dancing.”
“I was recommending [the show] to people before I even saw it myself,” said Rescigno, adding that she told all her friends about it and that the performance made her feel “happy and light-hearted.”
Charles Gravano, who attended the performance with wife Rosemary, told reporters that the show was “exceptional” and that he “got a thrill out of every single one of the facets in it.” When asked about what he enjoyed the most, Gravano said, “Everybody knows the performances are great, that the actors and music are great, but the whole thing put together with the music itself — it just moves you the way you want.”
“Music is supposed to express something,” said Gravano, who worked as a land surveyor but is now retired. “It’s supposed to bring you up and drop you down and then bring you up again. And it did it — it did it stupendously. I couldn’t get over how well it was all done.”
‘Spectacular’
Mary Belez, who works as a recreational director at a nursing home, attended the show with her husband, Ray. “I loved the whole show — it was enlightening,” said Ray. “It was very spiritual and I loved the story. Everything was really amazing.”
When asked about which part stood out to them the most, the couple said, “The world needs a change. We need a world where we give more and just unite, and that messaging really resonated with us”
“I had a person that I worked with who told me he saw [the show] five times,” said Ray. “So we’re definitely going to see it again. Like [the emcees] mentioned, it’s a different production every year, so we’re looking forward to seeing it again.”
Bridging cultures
Peace San, an architect by trade, attended the performance on March 25 with his friends and told reporters that the show was “beautiful.” As a former dancer, San appreciated the artistry and hard work that went into the choreography aspect. “I know it’s a lot of training because I was a dancer, so I know how much training went into it.”
“Everything was beautiful — and I loved the costumes and stories behind it,” said San, who now works at an architectural firm. “And the scenery, each performance had different scenes, which is really interesting. I liked the way they represented Chinese culture because growing up I also watched Chinese movies, like ‘The Journey to the West,’ and ‘The Monkey King.’”
He added, “It was beautiful in general. This is my third time seeing it and I still love it. That’s why I brought my friends.”
Shen Yun will perform at Lincoln Center through April 12. For more information, including tickets, seating, and availability, please visit the official website here.
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