By Frosty Wooldridge
This week in Denver, Colorado, the Chinese “Shen Yun” dancers burst onto the Buell Theater stage replete with pulsing colors, dynamic dancers and unique costumes.
Two decades ago, I traveled extensively through China to visit Shanghai, Guilin, Hangzhou, Beijing, the Ming Dynasty Tombs, the Forbidden City, Summer Palace and the Wall of China. I enjoyed their mesmerizing artwork, jade carvings, unique architecture and colorful costumes.
During my exploration, I enjoyed one of the most unique performing arts circus demonstrations on the planet. My mouth dropped in awe at the precision of the performers.
This week in Denver, Chinese “Shen Yun” dancers exploded off the stage in enchanting colors, physical prowess, delicate finesse and articulate grace that captivated me 20 years ago.
During each dancing set, they performed in front of a backdrop of sublime Chinese countryside, cities I had visited, rivers and beautiful mountains.
The troop performed dances from 5,000 years ago. They wore traditional clothing with colors that attracted and scintillated the audience at every juncture. They danced “stories” of China’s struggles, its people and their culture.
Having traveled through China, I enjoyed the “feeling” of China portrayed in the dances. I thrilled at the vibrant colors of the women’s costumes in pink, green, orange, purple, black and whites. Those costume colors commanded our attention during every dance performance.
The performance ushered a history of the Chinese people and their humble beginnings: “Grand descent of the deities”; “The true purpose of life” ; “Delicate beauty of the Han” ; “The steadfast lotus” ; “What is the meaning of life?” ; “Tang imperial drummers” and the funniest set of the evening, “The Monkey King Thwarts the evil toad”.
The classic novel Journey to the West tells of Tang Dynasty monk and his disciples on a quest for Buddhist scriptures. When, en route, a toad monster pounces on them. The Monkey King beats it with his magic staff, injuring the monster’s leg. Stupidly undaunted, the toad hops to the moon, where the goddess Chang’e dances with her celestial fairies. Her companion, the Jade Rabbit makes a healing elixir with mortar and pestle. The toad assumes the rabbit’s form, steals the potion and sneaks off.
With incredible creative dynamics, the dancers create a story and movement that the packed house didn’t want to end. When it did, everyone jumped out of their seats with applause.
During the “Lantern Joy” ; “Saving all lives” ; “Sweeping out the tyrant” and other dances, the audience enjoyed a greater understanding of China’s past, her trials and tribulations as well as her triumphs.
During the show, a very attractive couple walked on stage to speak in Chinese and English in order to introduce the next dance. Their humor captivated the audience.
Since much of China follows the philosophy of Buddha, the dancers interpreted their struggle to follow the ancient master’s wisdom. They presented “Buddha’s compassion shines forth” with a dramatic flourish of spiritual magic, the power of love and the joy of friendship. The dancers exploded across the stage with dramatic leaps, cartwheels and smoothness articulated by the entire troop.
Near the end, a lady rendered a sublime solo on an instrument that could only be described as a Chinese violin heretofore unseen in America. After her, another women sang a Chinese opera piece that shook the rafters.
With the changing backdrops of the performance, I felt like I revisited the magic of China, its colors and its profound history in song and dance.
When “Shen Yun” visits your city, be sure to watch this grand march of Chinese history to gain greater understanding of China’s place in the world and her proud heritage through music, song and dance.
For more information on cities and dates: www.ShenYun.com
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