Shen Yun Performing Arts has been established for over a decade, and its footprint has spread across the globe. As the new year approaches, Shen Yun Performing Arts is launching its 2023 season at the end of this year.
However, people who have not yet seen a Shen Yun performance often have questions such as "What does Shen Yun mean?" and "Why can't Shen Yun perform in China?" The 3 Musketeers, who are also Shen Yun dancers, will invite special guests on this episode to answer these and other commonly asked questions. Let's take a look together!
Hey, welcome back. We're Shen Yun Dancers, also known as the Three Musketeers.
And today we'll be answering your most asked questions about Shen Yun.
So the performer in our logo is actually doing the Zijingguan Jump,
and it literally translates into Purple Gold Crown,
also known as the Firebird Jump.
While jumping, she's holding two really long ribbons
that actually come from the Han Dynasty that go all the way back to 206 BC.
And it forms a perfect circle, so what's a better logo?
Shen means divine, and Yun is bearing, and the essence,
and the inner energy and feeling of anything,
like the way someone moves, or just art.
And so Shen Yun means the beauty of divine beings dancing.
No. Okay, you might have that question
because there's a lot of flipping and tumbling techniques in the shows,
but these techniques are actually all originated from classical Chinese dance.
In 1970s, some Chinese gymnasts present these techniques
during the international competitions,
and other art forms start adopting these movements.
So, these movements actually have thousands of years of history,
and the next time you watch a performance,
know it's classical Chinese dance movements, not gymnastics.
Now you know?
Yes, definitely.
I've been watching Shen Yun practically every year since I was a little kid,
and I have never missed out on what was going on.
And that's because there are two emcees
that will give you some cultural and historical background before each piece,
and then besides that, music and dance are like universal languages,
so you don't need to understand Chinese to understand every dance.
Of course, it would be more interesting
if you do have some Chinese cultural background when you come to watch Shen Yun.
Yes, after learning Chinese,
I think I can better understand the connotations behind each dance.
Dang, that's better than Will's Chinese.
Definitely.
So, to answer this question, I'm going to go back to 1966,
and that's when the Cultural Revolution first started.
It was a movement to systematically destroy traditional Chinese culture.
You see, our performance is trying to present traditional Chinese culture and revive it.
So, in our performance, we try to show values of Chinese civilization,
such as harmony between heaven, earth, and humankind.
And through our story pieces, we also present values such as
courage, faith, tolerance, and compassion.
And you know what?
The current Chinese regime views that as a threat to its power.
And so, that's why we're actually based in New York,
where we can freely express and show people this culture.
But I believe that one day, we'll be able to go back to China.
I mean, not go back for me, but you know.
Have you been before?
No, I've never been to China.
You're Korean, I've been to China before, okay?
I want to go back.
I want to go back, too, and perform.
I mean, there's a lot of beautiful places, good foods.
So, mainly the food, then.
That's why you want to go back.
A performance that truly matters.
For each and every one of us.
This is what you've been waiting for.
See it at least once in your lifetime.
Definitely not.
Classical Chinese dance is a very ancient dance form,
which is passed down by the divine to teach people how to cultivate their land,
as well as how to plan battle formations.
And there's a lot more use.
It was later brought into the imperial court,
and was eventually passed down to the common people,
where it has now evolved into the refined art form that it is today.
So, you should know that you're going to be in for a really good time, okay?
What?
You have to elaborate that.
Let me elaborate.
It's going to be amazing, okay?
Let me tell you why, though.
So, it's a two-hour performance, which includes intermission.
And there's about 15 dance pieces.
There's also a vocalist and instrumental soloists.
My favorite part of the show is that
these dance pieces, they come from different parts of Chinese history,
and also different regions of China.
So, you're not getting one long story.
It's not easy to get bored.
It just keeps coming, you know?
Your senses are always, like, on their toes.
There's a live orchestra, which blends Western and Eastern instruments.
Beautiful costumes, vivid backdrop.
And it's family-appropriate.
So, what that means is you can bring everybody.
Grandma, grandpa, kids.
But some theaters have a restriction on how young the kid can be,
but that depends on the theater.
All in all, I would say it's an amazing performance that you have to see.
Have any more questions?
Let us know in the comments below.
Please don't forget to like and subscribe.
And we'll see you next time!
As well as how to plant bottle.
Paddle.
How to plant formation.
Okay.
Good job, Sam. Good job.
Beautiful.
Beautiful!
Beautiful, Sam.
There's tears to my eyes.
Beautiful!
Shen Yun is premiering its 2023 performance.
If you want to catch us at a show, make sure to visit ShenYun.com
