OGDEN, Utah—"The visual art I loved. That was my favorite part, said watercolor artist Cara Koolmees, after seeing Shen Yun Performing Arts International Company.
Laughingly Ms. Koolmees said, “I kept thinking: Do I like that one the best? No, (the next one came); Oh, I think I like that one the best.”
Ms. Koolmees attended with her friend, Julie Shochat, a retired graphic designer. The pair saw New York-based Shen Yun in Ogden on March 13 at The Val A. Browning Center for the Performing Arts.
Shen Yun is made up of top artists, singers, dancers, musicians, from around the world. “With a passion for the classical arts, they join Shen Yun in its mission to revive a culture that was once almost lost,” according to the Shen Yun website.
At the heart of Shen Yun is classical Chinese dance, a system which developed over thousands of years.
“I loved it,” said Ms. Koolmees. “I loved all the colors and the interesting way the girls—especially—glide with their feet and use their heel in their dancing.” It all fascinated her.
“Interesting, interesting costumes, interesting everything,” she said.
Adorning the dancers are many different handmade costumes from the traditional Chinese attire to different ethnic groups to different dynasties, to the clothes of heavenly realms.
“The costuming—it was just lovely, and again, unexpected, but delightful,” Ms. Shochat said.
What struck Ms. Koolmees most about the dancers was their athleticism. Shen Yun trains dancers in inner meaning of the characters portrayed, certain postures, and also in very demanding aerial and tumbling techniques.
“I also liked the athleticism combined with gracefulness. So it was very strong and powerful, the great leaps and bounds but landing very gently and softly,” Ms. Shochat said.
“Lots of quiet movements,” Ms. Koolmees said. “Lots of strength but very graceful ... and balance. I have done a lot of dancing to know that there is a lot of strength and power there. But it looked so easy, and flowing and lovely.”
Ms. Shochat agreed: “I was surprised how strong they could look and land so beautifully and softly. You couldn’t hear any thudding or anything. It was very, very quiet, and they did a beautiful job.”
Reporting by Youzhi Ma and Sharon Kilarski.
New York-based Shen Yun Performing Arts has three touring companies that perform simultaneously around the world. Shen Yun Performing Arts International Company is scheduled to perform at the Smith Center for the Performing Arts, Las Vegas, March 15–17. For more information, visit ShenYunPerformingArts.org
The Epoch Times publishes in 35
countries and in 21 languages. Subscribe to our e-newsletter.
