PITTSBURGH—Pittsburgh was treated to a journey through 5,000 of China’s rich, traditional culture on Friday night, as Shen Yun Performing Arts debuted at at The Benedum Center for the Performing Arts, Feb. 1.
Scott Zinkham, a nuclear engineer, in attendance with his wife, Veronica, was ‘enlightened’ by the show.
“[It’s] very enlightening, from a life perspective, it’s bringing out the life and the history of China. I think it’s very enjoyable and...[the] costumes are very beautiful, the music, everything is very enlightening,” he said.
Sophisticated dance techniques, an orchestra joining instruments East and West, beautiful costumes, and a stunning back drop—this is Shen Yun at first glance, says the Shen Yun website.
Veronica, who is a pianist, really appreciated the show’s unique blend of Eastern and Western style instruments and music.
“Musically, it’s educational, I’m enjoying the orchestra, a lot of talent up there,” she said.
According to the Shen Yun website: “A Western philharmonic orchestra plays the foundation, while traditional Chinese instruments lead the melodies. The ensemble at once expresses both the grandeur of a Western orchestra and the distinct sensibilities of China’s 5,000-year-old civilization.”
Shen Yun’s stage is backed by a massive ’state of the art‘ digital backdrop that project beautiful scenes that the dancers interact with. The ’digital backdrop designs complement and synchronize all aspects of the performance,' according to the website.
“I enjoy the little vignettes through dance that are being presented and I especially enjoy the cinematography or the video and how the people look like they are flying into the sky or coming out of the water. It’s very clever the way they did that,” said Veronica.
“Shen Yun Performing Arts’ dance style is built upon classical Chinese dance as a foundation, while also maintaining a number of ethnic and folk dances. This combination embodies Chinese people’s estheticism and ethnic character,” according to the Shen Yun website.
With reporting by Frank Liang
Shen Yun Performing Arts International Company will perform in Pittsburg until Feb. 3. Shen Yun Performing Arts, based in New York, tours the world on a mission to revive traditional Chinese culture. For more information, visit ShenYunPerformingArts.org
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