Ottawa’s National Arts Centre will once again host the highly acclaimed Shen Yun Performing Arts, which starts the Canadian leg of its world tour in Canada’s capital city on Dec. 19.
During the five-day run, theatregoers will experience all that is a Shen Yun show: all-new performances by leading Chinese classical dancers and singers, an “East meets West” orchestra playing original compositions, an array of colourful costumes, unique animated backdrops, and witty bi-lingual emcees.
Shen Yun explores the depths of 5,000 years of Chinese culture, seen as divinely inspired by the Chinese people. Each show is a step toward reviving and showcasing the Middle Kingdom’s ancient culture and values.
“China has a long history and a lot of beautiful values, traditions, and legends that have been passed down from generation to generation,” says Jean Zhi, spokesperson for the Ottawa presenters of Shen Yun.
“All these beautiful stories are a foundation of traditional Chinese culture, but recently due to communist rule we have lost this part of our heritage, and even now it would be very hard to find in mainland China.”
VIP greetings
It is customary for VIPs to send greetings welcoming Shen Yun.
Governor General David Johnston sent a message of goodwill that reads in part: “For thousands of years, classical Chinese culture has inspired us with music and dance of remarkable beauty. The Shen Yun Performing Arts show is a wonderful showcase of the richness of this culture, which adds so much to the fabric of our country.”
Prime Minister Stephen Harper sent a greeting with similar good wishes. “Our country is fortunate to have a large and talented Chinese Canadian community and we are privileged to have this wonderful opportunity to experience the dynamism and beauty of traditional Chinese culture through these performances by Shen Yun.”
“As mayor of the City of Ottawa, I am delighted that the Shen Yun experience has returned to our vibrant and culture rich city,” wrote Mayor Jim Watson.
“This brilliant collaboration of Chinese dance and music inspired by over 5,000 years of traditional Chinese culture pays homage to a country that is rich in timeless virtues, respect and honour. As a growing showcase, Shen Yun has captivated millions throughout audiences all across the world, and continues to sell out theatres in Ottawa since it arrived in 2007.”
Greetings were received from other ministers including Minister of Citizenship and Immigration Jason Kenney, Gordon O’Connor, Minister of State and Chief Government Whip, and Peter Kent, Minister of the Environment.
Renaissance
It was in 2006 that Shen Yun began its mission of rekindling the true Chinese culture through the artistic quality of its choreography and musical scores, exploring different dynasties, local ethnic and folk dances, and ancient legends (both serious and comical) that enthral young and old alike wherever the show plays.
The dancers display an amazing array of movements, ranging from subtle and elegant hand gestures to soaring aerial or tumbling techniques.
What makes New York-based Shen Yun so unique is the belief that traditional dance is a reflection of a person’s nature, and that to create true art, an artist must first have inner beauty and purity.
“Shen Yun uses classical Chinese dance to tell the stories of ancient China, which bring back not only the beautiful culture and performances but also the spirit of the Chinese people,” explains Zhi.
“It is really very important to bring back this precious culture and heritage and share it so that our great 5000-year culture and history can be appreciated by the whole world. Also, the spirit lets the later generations get to know the most precious and valuable part of the Chinese culture.”
Ottawa audiences can expect the high quality and moving program that Shen Yun is so famous for. Audience members include performing artists, art critics, and connoisseurs of dance and music who give high praise to the production.
“The beauty of the Shen Yun performances makes a lot of people excited. They feel it is so beautiful and so nice that they keep it in their hearts,” says Zhi.
Shen Yun will play five shows at the NAC Southam Hall Dec. 19–23, all starting at 8:00 p.m.
After Ottawa, the show moves to Hamilton Place (Dec. 26–27) then to Montreal’s Place des Arts (Jan. 5–8). These dates are followed by shows in Kitchener, Toronto, Mississauga, Vancouver, Calgary, and Edmonton, with the final Canadian show at Regina’s Conexus Arts Centre April 13–14, 2012.
For more information, visit ShenYunPerformingArts.org.
