Rabbi Bruce Ginsburg shared his impressions of seeing Shen Yun for the first time at the David H. Koch Theater at Lincoln Center in New York on Jan. 16.
“I think there were a number of elements that impressed us a lot,” said Ginsburg. “We thought the dancing was wonderful, with what I would describe as the acrobatics as part of that.
“I think the explanations in between, by that man and woman were very helpful,” he said. “To give us a little bit more of a background, to appreciate what we were seeing.”
“And of course, the music, the costumes,” said Ginsburg. “I also liked the instrumental and vocal presentations that were made. So I would say every aspect of it.”
Ginsburg complimented Shen Yun’s artistic director, D.F.
“I must say the person who directs this program who seems to be very, very talented musically,” said Ginsburg. “I read that he composed much of or all of the music.
“And also invented the animation which is integrated so well into the performance itself. So that too impressed us.”
Ginsburg respected and appreciated what he called Shen Yun’s “excellent” mission to bring back China’s 5,000 years of traditional culture.
“I think that it was more than simply entertainment tonight,” he said. “It was a bit of an education about ancient Chinese culture and the attempt not to simply present it, but to show its intersection with modern culture as well.”
“It was very interesting how both in terms of technology with the animation, and also the attempt to somehow merge ancient Chinese instruments with a classical orchestra was a fascinating way of not just telling the story of old, but showing its relevance today,” said Ginsburg.
Immersive Impressions
Philip and Lisa Crawford thoroughly enjoyed the immersive experience.
“It’s absolutely beautiful, and the history that we’re learning just from the little vignettes that we’ve been watching has been just beautiful,” said Lisa.
“What I love personally is the fact that when they’re waving their arms with the long sleeves, nothing goes tangled and everything is totally perfect,” said Philip. “Totally in sync.”
“The ancient instruments as well, as the new ones blending east and west,” said Lisa. “And just listening to the music, and then seeing the dancers and the colors have been just magnificent.”
NTD News, New York