CALGARY, Alberta—The Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium in Calgary came alive with the sights and sounds of China’s rich traditional culture on Easter Sunday. Mr. Maassen, an advertising company owner, was in the audience .
“I thought it was great. I’ve never gone to this show before and I’ve never been to a show like this, so it was really great,” he said.
Shen Yun incorporates Chinese ethnic and classical dance and myths and legends from China’s long history. Shen Yun offers profound insights into an ancient civilization.
“I’m from a different country [Germany]. I respect everyone’s cultures, and it was great seeing a different perspective for once,” remarked Mr. Maassen.
Accountant Ms. Evans, who accompanied Mr. Maassen, also thoroughly enjoyed the show.
“I thought it was really beautiful. I really enjoyed all the costumes and the colours. It was really vibrant.”
Hosted in both English and Chinese, each program is given a brief introduction, enabling Westerners and Chinese to better understand the nuances of Chinese culture.
“I thought it was interesting how they did an introduction for each piece and spoke about the story that was going to be presented in the dance. It added more to the performances,” said Ms. Evans.
With 21 individual performances, the show explores a broad range of China’s cultural roots. From the famous Mulan to the Monkey King, some of China’s best loved characters are given a new life through Shen Yun.
Mr. Maassens’s favourite dance was Welcoming Spring, a colourful, vibrant display of quick footwork and choreography.
“The colors just stood out. They were right there. Instead of picturing people on the stage, you almost visualise plant life out there. It was great the way they were moving in the wind.”
After Calgary, Shen Yun will perform in Edmonton on April 15 and April 16 and in Regina on April 19.
The Epoch Times is a proud sponsor of the Shen Yun Performing Arts 2009 World Tour. For more information please visit ShenYunPerformingArts.org
