NEW YORK—Shen Yun Performing Arts performed its final performance at Lincoln Center’s David H. Koch Theater on Sunday afternoon to a sold-out audience.
Dr. Michelle Decrosta, a senior director for Analytical & Technical Support at Discovery Labs, was among the rapt audience.
“I love the arts, I love the performance, I love the outfits, the dancing the music, I also like the purpose of the show,” she said.
Shen Yun, which translated from Chinese means “the beauty of heavenly beings dancing,” seeks to revive China’s ancient culture through the arts, according to the dance company. The performers’ main medium of expression is classical Chinese dance but also uses a variety of means to convey its message.
“It brings out the good in humanity,” she said, adding that “it actually points out the persecution that I was unaware of until four years ago,” referring to the persecution of Falun Gong, an ancient mind-body practice that is still persecuted in China today.
One dance piece, The Choice, depicts the modern day persecution of the spiritual practice Falun Gong in China, a meditation practice based on truthfulness, compassion, and forbearance, through a difficult situation between two friends, according to Shen Yun’s program book.
“I am actually quite passionate about it and I believe in what they are doing,” she said, again referring to Falun Gong. “The purpose of the show is why I come.”
Overall, Shen Yun is “a beautifully orchestrated show, the music [and] the musicians are outstanding,” she said.
Reporting by Pamela Tsai and Jack Phillips.
Based in New York and formed in 2006, Shen Yun has toured around the world and has performed in more than 100 cities. It cannot be shown in China, according to its organizers.
Shen Yun has three companies touring the world. Shen Yun Performing Arts Touring Company will next perform at Providence Performing Arts Center in Rhode Island, Jan. 19.
For more information, visit ShenYunPerformingArts.org.
[video]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o3WTKCEA4tE[/video]
