PITTSBURGH—Shen Yun Performing Arts dazzled theatergoers on Saturday with its depiction of thousands of years of Chinese culture at the Benedum Center for the Performing Arts on Saturday night.
Antoinette Pirollo, retired seamstress, praised Shen Yun’s costumes, which are an integral part of the overall performance. “I feast[ed] my eyes over” the costumes, she said, adding that it was the second time she saw the performance.
The dancers are clothed in colorful handmade garb that are inspired from clothes worn in the Tang Dynasty, Han Dynasty, various ethnic groups, imperial Chinese regalia, and others, according to the company’s website. “Shen Yun’s costume artists collect countless designs of traditional attire, ranging from those of emperors, ministers, and generals to the everyday clothing of the common people,” it adds.
Mrs. Pirollo praised Shen Yun’s “colors and the back scenery,” referring to the digital backdrop behind the performance. The backdrop, which bursts with movement and color, depicts scenery from ancient China, landscapes, mountaintops, and more, according to the company’s website.
“They’re just gorgeous; something different,” Mrs. Pirollo said, adding “we loved everything about it.”
Her husband, Paul Pirollo, who owns a barbershop in Pittsburgh, complimented the dancers. “It’s a beautiful show. Really really wonderful,” he said.
Classical Chinese dance—a style that is both ancient and expressive—is the fulcrum of Shen Yun’s performances. According to the company’s website, the system is considered one of the most complete styles in the world and is able to express the inner meanings of Chinese culture.
“It was unbelievable,” Mr. Pirollo said.
Patty Matthews, a retired banker, was similarly impressed with the colors and the costumes.
“The costumes are beautiful,” she said, while praising the company’s dances.
With reporting by Madalina Hubert, Lijie Sun, and Jack Phillips.
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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