Shen Yun Opens in Orange County to a Delighted Audience

COSTA MESA, Calif.—Shen Yun Performing Arts New York Company opened tonight in Segerstrom Hall with the first performance of a three-day run at the Orange County Performing Arts Center.

Among those who attended the May 6 classical Chinese dance and music extravaganza was Cary Bilstein, who came with a large group of work associates.

Mr. Bilstein, who described his work as a financial recruiter went on to extrapolate his experience of the New York-based Shen Yun.

“I happen to like the acrobatic portion of the show the most," he said of the Shen Yun classical Chinese and ethnic dance. "I didn’t realize that you could really incorporate that much flipping around in the air with a show like this.

"It’s been very exciting for me. I’ve also liked the different vignettes which go back and forth between military scenes, and add a little bit of the humor with the little monks. I found that to be a very good vignette.”

Mr. Bilstein further explained why he and his peers had come to the show.

“Our organization is actually going [to China] next year as a company. So my boss thought that this would be a phenomenal way for all of us to come and have a really good time, getting infused with the Chinese culture. We’ve had a wonderful experience so far.”

As the crowd filtered by, Bryan Choi, and his lovely wife Jeanni Choy, both had a few comments to share.

Mrs. Choi observed that “The costumes, the colors and designs, and also the dancers are so beautiful, their figures are beautiful.”

Mr. Choi added, “We’ve seen the Tang dynasty culture in pictures, you know, so the real costumes are exciting. The heaven and earth connection, and the story of the monkey, it’s well known, it’s Buddhist culture. It’s a well coordinated, well presented show. We love it.”

Reporting by Chang and Albert Roman.