PHILADELPHIA—Shen Yun Performing Arts displayed the breadth and variety of traditional Chinese culture at the Merriam Theater in Philadelphia, on Friday, Jan. 6.
Kristina Mattila, the Honorary Consul for Finland, attended the performance with her husband, Jyrki.
“It’s very special, it’s very different from anything I’ve ever seen before and very beautiful,” Mrs. Mattila said. “I really enjoyed every minute very much.”
Shen Yun seeks to revive China’s 5,000-year-old culture through the arts, using classical Chinese dances as its medium of expression, according to the New York-based company’s website. The dance is considered one of the most expressive and technically-difficult to master.
Both the dozens of male and female Shen Yun dancers were at the same time wonderful and impressive, she said. Residents in Finland would enjoy it greatly, she added.
Mr. Mattila agreed. “It would be great if we could get this show to Finland,” he said. “I loved the colors and the movement and got a good understanding of Chinese history and culture.”
According to the dance company’s website, China’s culture was nearly destroyed after 60 years of communist rule. By touring the world, Shen Yun seeks to revive the traditional values of honor, benevolence, and other virtues.
“It was very unique,” Mr. Mattila said.
Mrs. Mattila said the Chinese bel canto singing was impressive. “I knew that the Chinese singing is different from any other singing in the world so I really caught that tonight,” she said. “I think it was a very deep message in the songs and I really enjoyed that.”
Reporting by Pamela Tsai and Jack Phillips.
Shen Yun has three companies touring the world. Shen Yun Performing Arts Touring Company will perform at The Merriam Theater, in Philadelphia, through Jan. 8.
For more information, visit ShenYunPerformingArts.org.
[video]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o3WTKCEA4tE[/video]
