TORONTO—Ontario MPP Michael Prue attends Shen Yun Performing Arts almost every year that the premier classical Chinese dance company comes to Toronto.
This weekend the New York-based company comes to Toronto for the sixth year and Mr. Prue was pleased to be back.
“I’ve been to most of them … it is a whole new program,” said Mr. Prue, MPP for Beaches-East York.
He noted that, through the different dances, stories, and choreography presented each year, “[Shen Yun] is trying to draw in all the various regions of China and all the beautiful art and artistry of those places, and the history.”
Mr. Prue explained that his wife’s mother was born in Hong Kong and therefore he and his wife have studied and known about Chinese culture for a long time and have a great love of Chinese art.
Moreover, “China’s a very varied place,” he said. “So to see it all brought together in one show is amazing.”
“It’s a very good first primer on classical Chinese culture, dance, music,” Mr. Prue added. “Every year I learn more and more about Chinese culture and dance and art by coming here and watching the artists perform.”
Shen Yun, founded in 2006, travels the globe each year to present an all-new production that has classical Chinese dance at its heart, rounded out by Chinese ethnic and folk dance and original songs and musical scores.
The company’s mission is to revive the authentic traditional Chinese culture.
It is a culture that has nearly been destroyed under decades of communist rule, a heritage with a deep spiritual essence rich with values such as benevolence, wisdom, honour, propriety, and reverence for the gods and the heavens.
These themes are reflected in the stories told through dance, inspired by beloved ancient myths and legends as well as tales of faith and courage unfolding in modern China today.
Mr. Prue expressed appreciation for these themes.
“For many cultures that take their mythology, it’s always how the gods intervene, the gods help, the gods sometimes play with people, but in the end, good always triumphs over evil. And so, that’s what people like to see and what people hope for in their lives as well,” he said.
“Absolutely” he enjoyed the performance, he said.
“The artistry that is here is second to none. The dancers are superb. The music and the choreography, and the way it’s displayed, I think that a lot of ballet companies around the world could learn some great lessons watching this.”
Mr. Prue also noted that he believes it is important for the Chinese people in North America to see the cultural performance.
“Second or third generations start to lose some of that culture, and so to keep this alive, to let children who weren’t born in China to see it first-hand is absolutely important. So they can recognize where their parents and grandparents came from, and where the beliefs that they have originated. So I think it’s wonderful,” he said.
“I wouldn’t miss this. As I said, I come every year that I have a chance,” said Mr. Prue.
“I come back because I love the art. I love the discipline of the dancers, and the music. I love the mythology and how it’s presented, the triumph of good over evil, the influence of the gods on people’s lives. All of those things that’s portrayed, it’s really quite a magical performance.”
Reporting by NTD Television, SOH Radio, and Cindy Chan
Shen Yun Performing Arts International Company is in Toronto for five performances at Sony Centre for the Performing Arts.
For more information, visit ShenYunPerformingArts.org.
