ESCONDIDO, Calif.—”Everything was sold out for the matinee,” said Wilma Grimsley.
Dick and Wilma Grimsley were relieved that they bought their tickets for Shen Yun Performing Arts New York Company early.
The New York-based dance and music company was giving a matinee performance at the California Center for the Arts, last Saturday, Jan. 21.
“It was an excellent turnout. When I first saw it in the paper, we called [for tickets] that day,” said Mrs. Grimsley.
Shen Yun is reviving the 5,000 years old traditional Chinese culture which had all but disappeared during the last 60 years of communist rule in China.
Using the medium of classical Chinese dance, ethnic and folk dances, a full orchestra of both classical Western and Eastern instruments and acclaimed soprano and tenor soloists, Shen Yun recounts legendary stories and historical as well as modern events.
“I think it’s beautiful,” said Mr. Grimsley, a retired navy and marine corps major.
Mr. Grimsley especially liked the effect of the digitally projected animated settings that extend the stage, which says Shen Yun’s website, gives the impression that the stage and the background are merging into one.
“The way they [the dancers] can phase into the background and go up those steps and—it’s amazing how they did that,” he said in awe.
Mr. and Mrs. Grimsley also commented on how impressed they were with the beauty portrayed by the backdrops, which according to the company’s website, are so true-to-life that they allow you to forget where you are, and travel to another place and time.
The performers’ costumes were also beautiful said the couple.
Brilliant colors are used to create attire from the Tang Dynasty and Manchurian, Tibetan, and Dai, Mongol, and Uyghur ethnic groups. According to the company’s website, meticulous attention is given to balance and contrast.
The performers were also beautiful said Mr. and Mrs. Grimsley.
“They did a great job,” said Mr.Grimsley, adding that the cast always gave the impression of great joy.
Reporting by Alex Li and Cheryl Casati.
Shen Yun Performing Arts has three touring companies that perform simultaneously around the world. Shen Yun Performing Arts New York Company is in San Diego for five performances at the California Center for the Arts through Jan. 22.
For more information, visit ShenYunPerformingArts.org.
