THOUSAND OAKS, Calif.—Shen Yun Performing Arts delighted the audience at the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza on March 26.
Friends Karen Russell, a former professional dancer, and Terrye Bretcke, an executive assistant and project manager, especially enjoyed the artistry of Shen Yun’s dancers.
“I used to be a professional dancer from 1984 to about 1999,” Ms. Russell said. “So I am blown away because I know what it takes to do a penché over my head behind my ear.” She pointed to the point where a ballet dancer bends forward while lifting a leg behind.
“And I’m looking at how everybody is precise. Perfect. Beautiful. I just wish there were more shows like this. Beyond our expectations. My friend and I, beyond,” she said.
Shen Yun aims to revive 5,000 years of traditional Chinese culture before communism. Ms. Russell noted the beautiful message conveyed by the lyrics of the singers: “Oh, I love the messages.
“I think what’s beautiful is that people can experience this culture and have the freedom to do that and respect for each other’s cultures. That’s one of the things, the storytelling.”
“Hope and love—That’s really what we need right around the world, love. This shows it, brings it. I see people smiling all over, taking selfies. There’s not one frown in this whole area,” Ms. Russell said.
“I would say that everyone should come see this and experience it. It’s not just something you watch, but it’s something you feel,” she said.
Ms. Bretcke said, “I can’t expand on anything. She said it more eloquently.” As she watched the performance, Ms. Bretcke said she felt “positive, joyful, happy, hopeful.”
Shen Yun Performing Arts is now touring its all-new 2025 production to over 200 cities across five continents, and this proves to be its most engaging ever.
