LOS ANGELES—Shen Yun Performing Arts’ Jan. 14 performance at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion impressed many audience members who are highly accomplished in the arts. The Nelson family was among them.
Kate Nelson, who owns and operates a music school in California and also produces musical performances, enjoyed Saturday evening’s show with her family. She was wowed by what she saw.
“I thought it was magnificent—the beauty of the movement, the glory of the outfits, of course, the story,” she said.
She added that Shen Yun’s unique characteristic of telling audiences about Chinese culture make it very accessible to a Western audience. “I think it is very unique that it is being brought to American audiences in a very easy to understand format.”
She was most impressed by the high-tech digitally projected backdrop screen that is used during the performances.
“I very much like the use of screen with the live action,” she said of the backdrop. “I find that interaction very interesting. But I really love the movement, the movement and the story.”
As for those who have yet to see Shen Yun, Nelson says they should come with an open mind and heart, “and just sit and let your eyes enjoy the delightful, delightful, magnificent performance.”
Kate’s husband Brent Nelson, who also has a musical background, was with her at Saturday’s show. Mr. Nelson at one time had a successful career as a singer. Their daughter, 25 year-old Norris, worked on a project that won her a Golden Globe.
“[The level of the vocal performances was] very difficult. Not anybody can just sing like that; it is a very difficult style of singing. You really have to be able to use those muscles,” said Norris of the vocal performances.
She added that she thought the entire program was beautiful.
“The colors were stunning, especially with the silk [sleeves], all the silk was beautiful to watch, and the dancers were amazing,” she said. “There were many times where I went ”WOW!”
Norris also thought the dancers had an uncanny level of skill and rhythm, and the stories in Shen Yun gave her a new perspective.
“It was an insight on different cultures that I have never seen before, so it was really interesting to kind of see and learn and grow and build my little cultural mind,” she said.
“I would recommend it to anyone, whether they are in my career or not. I think it was enlightening and it was eye-opening, and all in all, very entertaining.”
Reporting by SOH Radio Network and Genevieve Long.
Shen Yun Performing Arts has three touring companies that perform simultaneously around the world. Shen Yun Performing Arts New York Company will next perform in San Diego Jan. 19-22.
For more information, visit ShenYunPerformingArts.org.
[video]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o3WTKCEA4tE[/video]
