Shen Yun Performing Arts took Vancouver theatergoers on a journey through 5,000 years of Chinese culture at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre from March 23–25. Audience members called Shen Yun a “feast for the eyes.”
“Absolutely flawless performance. I mean, down to the toes, the fingers, all coordinated. Everything was flawless. The orchestra was beautiful. The music was beautiful. And it was an absolute feast for the eyes,” said Adam Pappin, attorney at Pappin Law.
“Many of the background stories are classical historical Chinese stories. That’s why a lot of people in mainstream Canadian society are actually very curious and emotional,” said Lihsin Liu, director general of Taipei Economic and Cultural Office Vancouver.
“The storytelling and the connection between the dancers and the audience, you can tell that obviously, they trained so hard, but it looks so phenomenally easy on stage and the connections they make and just the amount of joy they can share with the audience. It’s phenomenal to watch,” said Jenna Gorchynski, an actor with HectiQ Artists.
Traditional Chinese culture is rooted in spirituality. Shen Yun shares these values through its depiction of stories ranging from ancient legends to the modern-day, shining a light on topics surrounding communist China’s ongoing persecution of faith groups.
“We hope that in the future, China will allow and tolerate various religious beliefs. I think Shen Yun also has hope for the spirit of freedom and democracy,” added Ms. Liu.
“It’s beautiful to see people’s spiritual stories from different perspectives. I think finding a tradition that resonates with you, and yeah, trying to connect with that tradition and goodness, beauty, truth,” said Leah Burley, owner and CEO of Warmland Dance.
“Connecting back to spirituality, two souls connecting or being in a different realm with somebody or a connection beyond the physical. I definitely think it highlighted that point,” said Ms. Gorchynski.
“I really want to learn more about the spiritual part, because I think there’s so much to learn from Chinese culture. And I think this is so fantastic that they bring this kind of performance here to Vancouver,” said Ana Peralta, an artist.
Shen Yun will next perform 10 shows at the Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts in Toronto, Canada from March 30 to April 7.
NTD News, Vancouver, Canada
