NEW YORK—Shen Yun Performing Arts played to a sold-out audience at Lincoln Center’s David H. Koch Theater on Saturday afternoon.
Harley Matsil, the president of a small business that grows health food products, attended the performance on Saturday, with his wife, Alyse.
Shen Yun is “based upon tradition and love of the elders and respect for each other, and respect for the universe,” Mr. Matsil said. “This is a culture that we should all embrace.”
According to the Shen Yun’s website, the company seeks to revive the ancient, traditional culture of China through the arts, using a variety of means, including classical Chinese and ethnic dance, a unique orchestra that blends together Western and Chinese instruments, and a hi-tech projected backdrop.
“I’m amazed at the way the dancing goes with the exact music, note for note, and just the joyous faces on the performers—very, very impressive. Anyone can enjoy this,” Mr. Matsil said.
Mrs. Matsil was equally appreciative of Shen Yun’s performance. What stood out for her was “the costumes and the playful gestures.” She also observed the fruits of the company’s meticulous training, noting that “the skills of the dancers are really wonderful.”
Colorful and elaborate costumes are an integral part of Shen Yun, according to the company’s website. The designs represent the many dynasties of the ethnic Han majority, such as the Tang, Han, and Qin, the clothing of Chinese ethnic minorities such as the Mongolian, Tibetan, and Manchurian, and the regalia of heavenly beings such as Buddhas and heavenly maidens.
Mr. Matsil said that when he thinks about China, “you think of communists and anti-this,” but Shen Yun shows the “traditional China [which] is very warm and sweet.”
Chinese civilization spans 5,000 years and has a multitude of stories, legends, and tales of virtue, according to the Shen Yun’s website. However, much of the culture of China was destroyed under 60 years of communist rule. Therefore Shen Yun’s mission is to revive these 5,000 years of divinely inspired Chinese culture.
“It’s all quite clear and beautiful to me. I understand exactly what they’re saying and I’m amazed at the quality of dance and music,” said Mr. Matsil.
Reporting by Pamela Tsai and Jack Phillips.
New York-based Shen Yun has three companies touring the world. Shen Yun Performing Arts Touring Company will perform at New York’s Lincoln Center through Jan. 15.
For more information, visit ShenYunPerformingArts.org.
[video]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o3WTKCEA4tE[/video]
