LOS ANGELES—Opening night for Shen Yun Performing Arts at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion in Pasadena on Friday, Jan. 13, delighted the sold out audience. Among them was Karen McDonald, a dancer and choreographer of some repute, and her friend, Mr. Walker.
Ms. McDonald’s accomplishments include teaching in the Los Angeles area for over 20 years, including the prestigious California Institute of the Arts. She currently heads the dance department at LAUSD (Los Angeles Unified School District) Gifted Student Program at Cal-State L.A. and is also Associate Director of the dance department at Hamilton High School’s Music Academy in West Los Angeles.
She spoke of her experience after watching the Shen Yun performance. “The show is exquisite. I love the costumes, I love the staging, I love the choreography, and also it gives us an opportunity to really enjoy the culture,” she said.
The performers include tenors, sopranos and other award-winning vocalists, who perform piano-accompanied solos.
“I think the dancers are world class dancers. I love that they’re so young, and I also love the singing … it’s really exquisite, and the stories that are being told.
“I love it, I think the dancers are divine beings! I love it, it’s beautiful.”
The expression of ancient Chinese culture showcased by Shen Yun made quite an impression on Ms. McDonald. She said: “It reminds me that even though the cultures are very different, everyone has the same understanding of what life is, and what God is, and who we are here but spiritual beings at the same time.”
Ms. McDonald has an impressive list of show credits that range from Broadway shows including Purlie, Two Gentleman of Verona, The Wiz and Duke Ellington’s Sophisticated Ladies to Los Angeles where she has choreographed several shows including: Voices, Sing Out Street Gospel, and Show Girls which won an N.A.A.P.C. award for best musical.
Reporting by Laura Gu and Cheryl Casati.
New York-based Shen Yun has three touring companies that perform simultaneously around the world. Shen Yun Performing Arts New York Company will perform at Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, The Music Center, Los Angeles, through Jan. 14.
For more information, visit ShenYunPerformingArts.org.
