PORTLAND, Ore.—Many people yearn to be a part of beauty and that’s exactly what Cece Stafford was feeling when she saw Shen Yun Performing Arts with her friend, Dax Tucker.
“I wanted to jump in with them, but I don’t know how much I can do,” said Ms. Stafford, a yoga instructor.
Shen Yun is based in New York and its artists are trained in classical Chinese dance, one of the most athletic and expressive dance systems in the world.
“It’s beautiful. It’s amazing what the body can do when you put your mind to it—and all the practice that they do—it’s just beautiful,” said Ms. Stafford.
Although she isn’t a dancer, Ms. Stafford understands the discipline it takes to excel at an art as demanding as dance.
“It’s just all about the discipline that they portray and the practice that they do and all the devotion that they carry throughout their whole dance routine. It’s more than just movement. It’s a message, throughout,” she said.
Shen Yun’s singers are trained in the bel canto style and a translation of the Chinese text is projected for audience members to follow. The text really resonated with Ms. Stafford.
“What really spoke to me was the opera singing. When she was speaking of letting go of your bias and then opening your heart to compassion—it’s all very simple concepts, but hard to apply. ... It gives you a newfound perspective on how simple it really is if you just put your mind to it,” she said.
Shen Yun’s mission is to revive 5,000 years of Chinese civilization. Mr. Tucker expressed that it is beneficial to understand traditional Chinese culture.
“I think it was a beautiful cultural experience. I think during these times right now with America and China having difficult relationships, it’s good to know that we can come together and enjoy each other as well,” said Mr. Tucker, a resident manager.
Shen Yun’s performance takes the audience through a journey of legend, mythology, history, and literature. Mr. Tucker was pleased to be part of the journey.
“I just love the history of it—how it went from the beginning of the history to present, and a beautiful orchestra, and just amazing, disciplined, graceful dancers,” he said.
Shen Yun’s use of its digital backdrop is patented. The versatility of technology allows the set to change scenes in the blink of an eye, giving the stage endless possibilities.
“I loved how they did the interaction with the background—how they would jump in. That was really cool. I like that,” said Mr. Tucker.
One scene of divinity helping good people in need struck Ms. Stafford.
“He was able to experience that divine part of himself—of all of us—but unless we allow it, it won’t happen,” she said.
The scene reminded Ms. Stafford of the importance of self-compassion and to trust in the divine.
“Most of the time it’s easy for us to have compassion for the ones we love. It’s easy to sacrifice and do things for others, but when it comes to ourselves, that’s hard to put ourselves first. That was the big message for me—just pour your heart and soul in whatever you do, and the divine will align it for you,” she said.
