‘We’d love to come back!’ Sisters Say After Watching Shen Yun

BOSTON—Sisters Lisa and Jen Bruno both watched Shen Yun Performing Arts Touring Company on Saturday night, Feb. 12 at the Wang Theatre.

Both sisters said they are very involved in the arts, with Jen doing ballet since she was little and Lisa into martial arts, so they combined their interests to come and watch Shen Yun.

The New-York-based Shen Yun is the world’s foremost classical Chinese dance and music company. Shen Yun seeks to revive and restore China’s 5,000 years of traditional Chinese culture, including the spirit and values of the culture.

Although Lisa and Jen said they had seen ballets before, this was their first time seeing a Chinese show and they appreciated both the dance and the education about Chinese culture and some of the origins of the dances.

“I thought it was beautiful!” Lisa said after the show. “I loved the outfits, and the drums, and the culture piece of it, along with the dance, and it was nice to hear where the dance originated. For example, when they said gymnastics originated in China. So, it was nice to hear the history behind it as well."

Classical Chinese dance involves training in physical bearing, artistic expression, unique postures and a variety of technical moves.

Jen said she could see some of the differences between ballet and classical Chinese dance.

“I really need to go home and dance now!” she said. “It was great. I loved it.”

Both girls mentioned the Plum Blossom dance as one that stood out for them.

“It was so pretty! And so well put together!” said Jen.

“The fans doubling as the flowers were beautiful,” added Lisa.

The explanations before each piece by the masters of ceremonies made a big difference, the girls said.

“It helped us appreciate the art more and see the interpretation much better,” said Lisa.

“We'd love to come back!” she said. “We'd love to see next year's as well. It's beautiful.”

Reporting by Timothy Pi and Rebecca Hunnisett