variety of cultures from all across the world. The Chinese traditional music and dance stand out from the crowd by a number of attractive features. In New York, a performing company called Shen Yun is entertaining audiences with classical Chinese music and dance performances, rich in the long-held values of Chinese culture. Kelly Wen is a young Canadian woman, in her mid twenties, by her occupation an emcee – master of ceremonies – at Shen Yun. She tells us more about the company’s entertaining work in America, and the upcoming event.Michell: Kelly, please tell us a little about Shen Yun?
Kelly: Shen Yun is a world-class performing arts company, one-of-a-kind in the world that features classical Chinese dance and music. It’s really a celebration of 5,000 years of traditional Chinese culture that the world has never seen before. We have three equally large touring companies – each accompanied by its own orchestra – that perform some 400 shows in over 100 cities around the world every year. This year, our group – Shen Yun Touring Company – will be kicking off our tour in Cleveland, Ohio, with two shows on Dec 22 (7pm) and Dec 23 (1pm).
Michell: When and how did this dance group begin?
[caption id="attachment_17166" align="alignright" width="199"]
Kelly Wen[/caption]Kelly: Shen Yun was formed in 2006 by a group of overseas artists who came together with the mission of reviving 5,000 years of
divinely inspired Chinese culture. Sadly, this ancient culture, one full of spirituality and traditional values, no longer had a place in China. That’s because under the Communist regime, much of traditional Chinese culture was lost or destroyed.
So Shen Yun aims to bring about a new cultural renaissance, sharing with the world Chinese culture in its purest and most authentic form. I think we have gained overwhelming support over the past few years, because the value of humanity presented in the show really resonate with people from all walks of life.
In just six years, Shen Yun has grown to be one of the world’s largest performing arts companies with three equally large touring troupes, each accompanied by a live orchestra that combines both classical Chinese and Western instruments.
Michell: So do you have members of any particular age group or do people of all ages learn to perform this style of dancing at your group?
Kelly: Since classical Chinese dance is very systematic in nature, dancers need to start at a young age to develop the flexibility, agility, and coordination they need to master the bearing, form, and techniques of the dance. Given its highly demanding physicality, a dancer usually reaches his or her peak at around 17–25, and most of our dancers fall into that age category. However we do have professional musicians of all ages in our orchestra, which combines the best of both Eastern and Western music traditions in soul-stirring compositions.
Michell: How does it represent Chinese culture and beliefs or values?
Kelly: The show really takes you on a journey from ancient China right up to today – from dusty plateaus of the Middle Kingdom to the snowy peaks of the Himalayas, audiences will be transported into the land of the divine with stories and legends dusted off from the annals of history. Dazzling costumes and dynamic animated backdrops seamlessly intertwine with the large-scale dances and orchestral compositions to bring to life on stage the cultural essence of ancient China.
This year, Shen Yun explores the rich tapestry of Chinese culture with new ethnic dances and never-before-seen mini-dramas that reflect themes of wisdom and loyalty, not without a few laughs, of course. Of course every year, we have a whole new set of programs, so audiences new and old will be in for a surprise.
Michell: What are the goals for the group in the near future?
Kelly: We all hope that one day in the near future, we can bring this ancient heritage back to its origins. That is, to reunite people in mainland China with their original, true culture.
Michell: Have you been filmed or featured in media, like on TV or some digital publication?
Kelly: We have been featured in many news media, such as interview with CNN and morning shows across the US, such as FOX 5 (New York), NBC (Philadelphia), and ABC News. Please see the featured videos under Shen Yun News: http://www.shenyunperformingarts.org/news.
Michell: If there is anything you could tell the world in one brief sentence, what would it be?
Kelly: A soul-touching experience you’ll never forget.
Michell: For those readers who may be interested, please tell us how they can learn more about your group and what are the requirements to join your group?
Kelly: For more information about Shen Yun, our artists, as well as upcoming shows, please visit www.shenyunperformingarts.org. Please visit the Employment Opportunities section under About Us on the main page to find out the detailed audition requirements.
Michell: I would just like to say that it is an honor to do this interview and I look forward to learning more about your work in future.
To have a glimpse of the Shen Yunperfromances, watch the video online.