Leanos works in architectural design and construction. As such, she appreciated the beauty, the history, and the costume designs that are a defining feature of a Shen Yun production.
Leanos loved the stories that were portrayed by Shen Yun’s dancers. “The Water Sleeves” dance which features the graceful ladies of the imperial court caught her attention.
“I just loved—the vibrancy and the way it flowed,” she said. “[The stories were] really, really fantastic.”
“Yes, I really like the spiritual aspect. I loved the divine side very much,” Leanos added.
She was entranced by the mini-drama, “Three Hundred Years in One Day,” which tells of an old belief where two people with a predestined relationship will be magically brought together even if thousands of miles apart.
“[It] was really, really interesting to see how things from your past have come together into the future,” she said.
“In the beginning, when I saw the screen and the way it interacted, I was like … okay, this is really interesting,” Leanos said.
Learning about Chinese history, of which she had no prior knowledge, also made the performance an educational experience.
Leanos was amazed to discover that in China it is forbidden to practice one’s faith.
Nina Lopez and her daughter were also in the audience. Lopez is an associated personnel analyst at California State Water Resources.
“I really liked the connection to the … roots of the tradition you know, the history,” said Lopez.
Lopez commented on how the male and female dancers showed equal strength. “They’re so synchronized in their …. performances—it is superb. I really admire the level of artistry.”
She spoke of the relevancy of the drama “Three Hundred Years in One Day.”
“You really need to pay attention and catch when current days are connecting to those ancient days.”
“I was very excited that we actually could attend in person,” she said.
“I really liked [how] the dancers [had] no masks on because the facial performance adds a lot to it—all the feelings that they can express.”
