SEATTLE—Since 2006 Shen Yun Performing Arts has been dazzling audiences around the world. Joseph Dobbs saw the performance around a decade ago and he was pleased to share that Shen Yun has become even more spectacular.
“I saw Shen Yun probably a decade ago, and I have to say it’s only gotten cleaner and more vibrant,” Mr. Dobbs said.
Mr. Dobbs is a musician and artist who has his own label. He has toured the United States performing his music. The piece that moved Mr. Dobbs the most was Shen Yun’s erhu solo.
“This was the most beautiful show I’ve seen and also the lady who performed the erhu was absolutely incredible. It was a very beautiful show truly truly exquisite. I’m glad we came today,” Mr. Dobbs said.
The erhu is a two-stringed instrument that is known for its emotive timber and expressive qualities.
“The emotional quality of it made me want to cry. It was so beautiful. It was actually stunning,” Mr. Dobbs said.
The erhu is one of many traditional Chinese instruments in Shen Yun’s live orchestra. Many audience members have been impressed with the virtuosity of the erhu soloist.
“She just had a way of bringing out emotion in that instrument that I’ve never heard before. It was incredible,” Mr. Dobbs said.
Shen Yun is based in New York and its mission is to revive 5,000 years of Chinese civilization.
“I think sharing both traditional and modern when moving forward is very important. I think that our past should be remembered and I think our ancestors should be honored,” Mr. Dobbs said.
Shen Yun’s artists are trained in classical Chinese dance, one of the most comprehensive dance systems in the world.
“Just the amount of quality and the amount of training you must have gone through to make such an incredible performance. I mean, that’s another level you don’t really see very often. And it truly is something special. Very much appreciated,” Mr. Dobbs said.
In terms of expressive qualities, classical Chinese dance is arguably unparalleled.
“There was a lot of energy in the show. It was very good. I think the performers did a great job of purveying their love for the craft and the way they move their faces when they’re creating all those different scenes was really something beautiful. They did very well,” Mr. Dobbs said.
Mr. Dobbs shared that he would love for his friends to also see Shen Yun.
“100 percent. I’m hoping that I‘ll get some of them to come with me next time. ... [It will] probably the most vibrant and beautiful show they’ll ever see,” he said.