HOUSTON—The beauty of divine beings dancing is the definition of Shen Yun Performing Arts, but
Shen Yun is also funny and sometimes tear-jerking.
“Quite frankly, that soprano that performed there at the end was breathtaking—brings tears to your eyes—eye-watering. It’s beautiful,” said Colie Henkel, a pilot for United Airlines.
Shen Yun’s singers are trained in the traditional
bel canto style of singing. Although the sung text is Chinese, the digital backdrop provides a translation so that audiences around the world can understand.
“I think it’s very emotional, it touches your heart, and it’s just beautiful to watch,” said Jamie, Mr. Henkel’s wife.
Seeing Shen Yun was a New Year gift that the couple gave themselves.
“[It was] completely different than anything I’ve seen prior to this. I like the integration of the technology with the dance. I like all the traditional stuff; it’s really incredible,” said Mr. Henkel.
Behind the scenes, Shen Yun is a team supporting the artists and making the production as perfect as can be. The lighting,
costumes, and other aspects work together to give the audience the best experience.
“I love the flowing, just the colors, everything. The lighting even highlights the colors a little bit. I think it’s gorgeous,” said Mrs. Henkel.
Shen Yun’s artists are trained in classical Chinese dance, one of the most expressive dance systems in the world. One dance story portrays
Falun Gong practitioners being persecuted for their faith in present-day China.
“Beautiful and sad. I mean, it’s very emotional just knowing that communists still exist over there, but I’m enjoying the show very very much,” said Mr. Henkel.
Shen Yun draws inspiration from Chinese history, literature, myths, and
legends. “Journey to the West” tells the tale of a monk and his three disciples, including the Monkey King and Pigsy, making their way to find Buddha’s scripture.
“I think that the comedy piece with Pigsy is very funny,” said Mr. Henkel.
Mr. Henkel expressed his appreciation for Shen Yun’s ability to combine tradition with
modern technology and inventiveness.
“The mix between the traditional and the mythological with the modern day. It highlights the kind of the beauty of the traditional way against the harshness of the modern society,” said Mr. Henkel.
Reporting by Sonia Wu and Maria Han.
