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Mr. Kirstein has visited China for sports events on a number of occasions, so when, by sheer chance, he saw an advertisement for Shen Yun at his daughter's pastry shop, he didn't have to think twice about buying tickets to see the show.
"The dances are fascinating, and the synchronization of the group is outstanding,” said Mr. Kirstein. “The dancers’ synchronization, coupled with movements that mirrored each other, was most impressive.”
The Shen Yun Orchestra, which combines classical Western and Chinese instruments, performs all original compositions and creates a unique sound.
Mr. Kirsten praised the combination of the music and dance, saying it was “very harmonic."
The hi-tech animated backdrops that enhance the scenes on stage with images of blossoming landscapes, deep forests, Mongolian prairies, or celestial paradises, was the talk of the theater.
"What was most impressive was the backdrop. It was great,” said Mr. Kirsten. “It appears throughout the show that the performance on stage has just come out of the backdrop. The combination of modern media technique and the dances on stage is a marvelous idea. I have never seen such combinations before.”
Some of Shen Yun's dances set in contemporary times carry messages about the suppression of the freedom of belief in China as well as themes of spiritual renewal and hope, something Mr. Kirsten enjoyed.
"The connection between heaven and earth, as shown in the scenes about the persecution of Falun Gong, were very touching," he said.
He was amused with the monks in the scene Little Mischievous Monks, who have fun while the abbot is away.
"The mimic by the monks was marvelous and something unique. Very well done!" he said.
The scene No Regrets, where a young man is killed by police for defending his book "Zhuan Falun," the main text of the spiritual practice Falun Gong, was one that Mr. Kirsten found captivating.
"It was fascinating. It was so much like real life. It was as if one is living in the scene. It touched the heart and the soul."
Mr. Kirstein said he will tell all his friends about Shen Yun and tell them to come and see it.
"Among my group of friends, if one says that something is great, everyone will go and see it. I don't need to say much beyond that they have to see Shen Yun.
"You can be sure that we will see next year’s show," Mr. Kirsten said.
Reporting by Alexander M. Hamrle and Heide B. Malhotra.
The New York-based Shen Yun Performing Arts has three touring companies that perform simultaneously around the world. For more information, visit ShenYunPerformingArts.org
