Going, going, gone!
I attended my first performance of Shen Yun this year, at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC), in Newark, New Jersey. The shows sell out quickly, and the run is very short in each city…lasting just about a week. So I was excited to get tickets. This is also my first time in NJPAC, so I wasn’t sure how our seats would be. I only had three options of two seats together when I bought them. It turns out there’s no bad seat in the house. So if there are only two seats left when you buy your tickets, don’t fret. It will still be worth it.
Shen Yun packs theaters around the world…and with good reason! Each production is an original – depicting some aspect of china’s 5,000 years of civilization. The historically authentic (and colorful) costumes, animated backdrops, and original score make it a performance to remember. A traditional Western orchestra accompanies each production, but they also incorporate the Erhu (Chinese violin) and the Pipa (a pear-shaped instrument), adding an ethereal dimension to the music.
Interestingly, Chinese culture centers around the idea of harmony among Heaven, Earth, and humankind. Unfortunately, decades of communist regime almost completely destroyed the traditional culture in China, and Shen Yun is not allowed to perform there. So every year people fly here specifically to see genuine Chinese culture presented on the stage. Actually, a production of Shen Yun is just about the only place you can see it.
Sharp-dressed man?
The first thing that struck me, walking into NJPAC, was that I was the minority. We were surrounded by Chinese people, and most of the conversations surrounding us were not in English. The second thing I noticed, is that I was overdressed. I didn’t go the formal attire route, either. I wore a conservative black dress with an embroidered lace overlay of colorful flowers. A strappy pair of black heels and a black bag rounded out my ensemble. Most of the other women there dressed casually, with a few matching my effort at stepping up the game. Men were equally casual with only a few sharply dressed men in the room. But there were a lot of jeans in the midst. I guess people just don’t dress up to attend events anymore.
A visual smorgasbord of color and movement
taken from the 2018 program
Shen Yun means “the beauty of heavenly beings dancing.” And the dancers did appear to be heavenly. The women seemed to float around the stage…moving their feet with tiny, lightning-fast steps. Smoke obscured their feet, giving the impression of being in the sky, or in heaven metaphorically. Their elongated sleeves look like flying ribbons of color when they swirl their arms…the costumes becoming vibrant, flowing extensions of being. They also integrated props, like hand-held fans, to help tell the stories. When they leapt into the air, it seemed effortless. And the height they gained! It added to the impression of heavenly beings.
The men, also in colorful authentic dress, were very acrobatic and nimble. Although all the leaps they do bears some resemblance to ballet, it is definitely unique. Classical Chinese dance and martial arts developed from the same roots, later diverging into separate entities. Both are systematic and take rigorous training to excel. But the classical dance incorporates distinctly Chinese postures in addition to acrobatics. I used to watch martial arts films with English subtitles as a child, where they would do these flips and such. I always thought it was fake. But here I sit, watching very similar acrobatics, set to music on a stage instead of in the countryside, and without the accompanying kiai. Who knew? It gives me a new appreciation for the culture.
They are completely in sync. (Taken from the 2018 program.)
The men of Shen Yun perform aerial Russian splits. (Taken from the 2018 program.)
Voices like instruments fill the air
Shen Yun soloists employ the most traditional form of bel canto…a practically lost technique, as I understand it. While I can’t say my untrained ear would know the difference, I can say the singers had beautiful, crystal-clear voices that resonated through you. The Soprano notes seemed light and airy, yet powerful in their purity as they caressed you…while the Tenor was strong and full…growing in volume to envelope you. It was mesmerizing.
A Shen Yun patent revealed
Never before had I seen the unique and ingenious integration of backdrop and foreground. (Actually, Shen Yun holds the patent for this technology.) The dancers seamlessly move between the stage and back-drop as an “animated” version of themselves, so they can interact with the projected background in “real time.” It was intriguing, and a fresh take on traditional dance productions. They deserved the standing ovation we gave them! If you ever have the opportunity to experience Shen Yun, treat yourself. It was truly a pleasure.