articles

We Saw Shen Yun Here's Our Review

Now Playing @ California Center for the Arts!

By Courtney Daly-Pavone February 11, 2019

After seeing the advertisements for Shen Yun for years and reading rave reviews about this classical Chinese dance group, I decided to check out Shen Yun with my family and see if it was worth all the hype.  

Bottom line, is this a show that I can take my kid to? Is Shen Yun bucket list good? 

Without further ado, my answer is a resounding yes! Shen Yun is a feast for the eyes from start to finish! Growing up, I studied ballet for years, and I am aware of the hard work that goes into leaps and bounds, but what blew my mind was how the dancers in Shen Yun made each jump look effortless. Also, in classical ballet men are usually upstaged by women.  It's more about the ballerina and the female form.  In classical Chinese dance both male and female dancers soar through the air. 

Can humans fly? Yes they can Shen Yun is proof of this amazing ability.

My family was enthralled and mesmerized. The show captivated my eight-year-old son, and my husband for two and a half hours. In addition to breathtaking choreography and stage design, the show tells 5,000 years of rich Chinese history through dance.  Two narrators tell the audience the story behind each dance before every number. The show covers old tales, to new social commentary on our obsession with social media and our inability to connect with those around us. I did not expect to find a dance performance to be thought provoking from start to finish on a level audiences of all ages can take something away from, but Shen Yun delivers it's promise of being an incredible spectacle. With a new show every year, I am certain we will return to see this out of this world performance every year!

Shen Yun cannot be seen in China today, where traditional culture has been nearly lost. Yet Shen Yun—a non-profit organization—has become an international phenomenon, bringing the wonders of ancient Chinese culture to millions across the globe.

Strict copyright laws prevent the taking of photographs during the show, but you can watch Shen Yun's Dancers rehearse here click this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-AiD_say5xk&t=57s

To find out more information about Shen Yun visit: https://www.shenyunperformingarts.org/